Hexo+ is an autonomous drone aimed at changing how aerial video footage is recorded

Drones are revolutionizing how media is captured, as we’ve written before, and now autonomous drone project aims to take things to the next level.

If you’re an outdoors type who wants incredible aerial footage without the need to control your drone yourself, or find a co-pilot or film crew, then the Hexo+ may be right up your alley. The craft, which is backed by a range of extreme sports athletes, pairs up and follows your smartphone to take aerial shots using the framing and spec of your choice at a range of up to 50 meters.

The team behind the product describes it as “an intelligent aerial follow camera: no pilot, no cameraman, no headache” — but it comes at a price. That’s $499 if you own a GoPro camera, or $699 if you need both the craft and camera. The project is currently listed in KickStarter — where it has raised over $160,000 — with an estimated shipment date of May 2015.

➤ HEXO+: Your Autonomous Aerial Camera [Kickstarter]