Insta360-Backed Antigravity A1 Drone Introduces Revolutionary 360-Degree Aerial Capture

Ever dreamed of a drone that disappears mid-flight, letting you capture every angle like a floating eye? The Insta360-backed Antigravity A1 makes it real—Jeven Dovey’s test footage will blow your mind.

The Antigravity A1 drone, backed by Insta360, emerges as the world’s first fully integrated 360-degree drone, promising to transform how pilots capture and experience aerial footage. This innovative device eliminates visible drone elements in recordings, creating a seamless floating camera effect in the sky. Creator Jeven Dovey tested a pre-production prototype, highlighting its unique flight mechanics and post-production flexibility in a recent video.

Distinctive Design Features of the Antigravity A1 Drone

The A1 stands out with its dual-lens setup—one on top and one on bottom—replacing traditional gimbals. Vision sensors on the front and bottom enable spatial awareness. Dovey notes, “There’s no gimbal. There is just two lenses on either side of the drone.” Automatic folding landing legs protect the bottom lens during takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the drone becomes invisible in 360-degree footage, akin to Insta360’s selfie stick vanishing effect but elevated for aerial use. This design shifts drone operation toward immersive, obstruction-free capture, addressing limitations in add-on 360 setups for existing drones.

Intuitive One-Handed Grip Controller

Control comes via a motion-sensitive grip, differing from standard remotes or FPV systems. A switch handles ascent and descent, while wrist movements direct flight. Pulling the trigger propels the drone forward, and rotation spins it. Dovey explains, “It uses the motion of the grip to be able to fly in the sky.” A unique dial reorients direction without altering flight path, allowing pilots to maintain momentum while adjusting headings. Buttons include stop, record, photo, power, and menu options, with potential for more as firmware evolves. Modes like cinematic, normal, and sport adjust speed, enabling varied pacing for dynamic shots.

Immersive Goggles for Enhanced Viewing

Paired goggles feature dual screens: one for menu navigation and another displaying the live 360 view. An external battery reduces head weight, making them lightweight. Dovey describes, “You can actually have two screens in the front. One of them is going to become a menu system, but the other eye is actually a screen.” This setup lets bystanders watch the pilot’s perspective in real-time, fostering shared experiences. Head tracking permits 360-degree looking around during flight, independent of the drone’s path. Pilots can fly straight while exploring views, reframing later. Dovey reflects on a sunset flight: “I was able to actually take a step back, relax, and look around and actually just kind of experience the sunset in this place from a different perspective.“

Expanding Creative and Practical Applications

The A1’s 360 capability unlocks novel shots, such as upward gazes, spins, and backward views, difficult with conventional drones. Dovey tested in diverse settings, from an abandoned water park to Utah cliffs and forests. He chased a fast-moving Razor vehicle, noting, “I was able to track him as he was going quick through this forest.” Unexpected events, like a vehicle rollover or bird approaches, were captured inadvertently and reframed post-flight. Flying closer to objects enhances dynamism due to the wide lenses. Future 8K resolution will elevate quality beyond the prototype’s beta footage. This approach reduces the need for complex maneuvers during capture, focusing creativity in editing via Insta360 software.

Beginner Accessibility and Industry Implications

Despite a learning curve for experienced pilots, the A1 suits novices. Straight-line flights or hovers yield complex results through reframing. Dovey states, “You really don’t have to do these complex shots to be able to get complex footage.” This democratizes advanced aerial videography, potentially broadening adoption among recreational users. As drones evolve, the A1 represents a shift from incremental upgrades like longer lenses to experiential innovations. Regulatory considerations may arise for 360 privacy, though not yet addressed. Economically, it could appeal to content creators seeking efficiency.

Opportunities for Beta Involvement

Anti-Gravity invites beta testers to shape the final product, offering a $20,000 prize pool for feedback. Dovey encourages, “If you have some creative ideas on how to use this drone, or you think you might have some feedback if you were to actually take this out and play with it, then head to anti-gravity.te.” This collaborative model could refine features, ensuring the drone meets user needs upon release.

The Antigravity A1 redefines drone flight as an experiential tool, blending seamless 360 capture with intuitive controls. While pre-production limits current assessments, its potential to inspire new storytelling in aerial content is evident. Pilots interested in this evolution should monitor developments closely.