Snap launches a FLYING CAMERA: Pixy is a $230 selfie drone that floats a few feet above you before landing in the palm of your hand

• The flying camera, called Pixy, was unveiled by Snap CEO Evan Spiegel at Snap’s Partner Summit today
• Doesn’t need a controller or any set-up and operates on its own, snapping selfies before landing in your palm
• With a price tag of $229.99, Pixy is designed to be a companion to Snapchat, with videos filmed wirelessly transferring and saving into the Snapchat app 

It’s best known for its social media app, Snapchat, but Snap has today launched a new piece of hardware – a flying camera.

The flying camera, called Pixy, was unveiled at Snap’s Partner Summit today, and is described as a ‘free-flying sidekick that’s a fit for adventures big and small.’

Pixy does not require a controller or any set-up, and instead operates on its own, snapping selfies for you before landing in your palm.

With a price tag of $229.99, Pixy is designed to be a companion to Snapchat, with videos filmed wirelessly transferring and saving into the Snapchat app.

Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Snap, said: ‘Everything you need to capture the spontaneity and fun of the moment from new perspectives is right in the palm of your hand. With the simple tap of a button, Pixy takes flight and joins you on your journey.’

The flying camera, called Pixy, was unveiled at Snap’s Partner Summit today, and is described as a ‘free-flying sidekick that’s a fit for adventures big and small’

How does Pixy work? 

Pixy has four preset flight paths, and can float, orbit and follow you with a tap of a button.

Once you’re happy you’ve snapped enough footage, you can simply place your hand out, and Pixy will land in your palm.

The flying camera automatically syncs up with your Snapchat, transferring the footage into your Memories.

From there, users can use Snapchat’s editing tools just as they would with footage snapped on their phone, before sharing their creations to Chat, Stories, Spotlight of any other platform.

Speaking at Snap’s Partner Summit, Mr Spiegel explained why Snap decided to develop the flying camera.

‘We first created Snapchat as a new way to use the Camera for self-expression and communication,’ he explained.

‘From Lenses to Spectacles, there are so many ways to share your perspective.

‘Today, we’re taking the power and magic of the Snap Camera — the spontaneity, the joy, and the freedom — to new heights.

‘A new camera to match the limitless potential of your imagination. Meet Pixy. The world’s friendliest flying camera.’

Pixy has four preset flight paths, and can float, orbit and follow you with a tap of a button.

Once you’re happy you’ve snapped enough footage, you can simply place your hand out, and Pixy will land in your palm.

The flying camera automatically syncs up with your Snapchat, transferring the footage into your Memories.

From there, users can use Snapchat’s editing tools just as they would with footage snapped on their phone, before sharing their creations to Chat, Stories, Spotlight of any other platform.

Unfortunately for Brits, Pixy is only available to buy in the US and France, where it is now on sale for $229.99. It remains unclear when, or if, it will launch in the UK.

‘We can’t wait to see what you create on your next flight,’ Mr Spiegel added.

Pixy is Snap’s second piece of hardware, with the first being its range of smart glasses, called Spectacles. 

The first and second generations of Spectacles were released in 2016 and 2018, and looked like sunglasses with a camera on one side that could record footage and photos. 

Pixy does not require a controller or any set-up, and instead operates on its own, snapping selfies for you before landing in your palm

With a price tag of $229.99, Pixy is designed to be a companion to Snapchat, with videos filmed wirelessly transferring and saving into the Snapchat app

Meanwhile, its third generation Spectacles, released in 2019, added a second camera to detect depth in videos. 

Finally, in 2021, Snap unveiled its ‘next generation’ Spectacles, which are the first to feature augmented reality.   

The Spectacles feature dual 3D waveguide displays and a 26.3° field of view, which realistically place Lenses right before your eyes.

Dual stereo speakers add audio to these experiences, making them even more realistic, while two built-in cameras allow you to record exactly what you’re seeing.

Unfortunately, for now, the next generation Spectacles are not on sale, and only a few lucky content creators have been able to get their hands on them. 

Snap’s history of hardware

2016 – First generation Snap Spectacles

2016 – First generation Snap Spectacles

Snapchat launched its first piece of hardware in 2016, in the form of its first generation Snap Spectacles. 

The smart glasses retailed at $129.99, and featured a single camera on one side, from which users could record footage with a 115-degree field of view.  

2018 – Second generation Snap Spectacles

The second generation Snap Spectacles were launched in June 2018, costing $150. 

Unlike the first generation Spectacles which could only record footage, the second generation were able to shoot photos. 

Snaps captured on the smart glasses transferred to the Snapchat app four times faster than the first generation, and always in HD. 

2019 – Third generation Snap Spectacles

2019 – Third generation Snap Spectacles

Snapchat took things up a notch in 2019, with the launch of its third generation Spectacles, which are still available now for $330. 

These glasses have two cameras – one on either side –  that can capture 3D photos and videos at 60 fps.

Meanwhile, four built-in microphones record immersive, high-fidelity audio.

2021 – ‘Next generation’ Snap Spectacles

Finally, in 2021, Snap unveiled its ‘next generation’ Spectacles, which are the first to feature augmented reality.   

The Spectacles feature dual 3D waveguide displays and a 26.3° field of view, which realistically place Lenses right before your eyes.

Dual stereo speakers add audio to these experiences, making them even more realistic, while two built-in cameras allow you to record exactly what you’re seeing.

Unfortunately, for now, the next generation Spectacles are not on sale, and only a few lucky content creators have been able to get their hands on them. 

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