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The Parrot MiniDrone 2...a possible OnePlus rival?
OnePlus has teased the possibility that it might launch a consumer drone next month.
Speaking via its monthly ‘AMA’ (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit, the company suggested April’s mooted product launch could in fact be a UAV.
We recently saw images hinting at a new product due to land in the coming weeks, although it wasn’t clear what exactly would be arriving.
The general consensus was that OnePlus would reveal an Android controller on the big day, with the teaser images using phrases like ‘You’re in control’ and ‘#OneGameChanger’.
Today, however, David Sanmartin, OnePlus’ Digital Marketing Manager, responded to a comment asking for a clue as to what the product will be.
He replied: “I’ll give you a hint, the model name is DR-1 ;)”
Moments later, the company’s Global Director Carl Pei posted : “It’s a dr-o-n-e. Get it? ;)”
While it’s certainly not proof of anything, it’s definitely an interesting prospect to consider.
Related: Best drones and quadcopters at CES 2015
OnePlus currently only holds two SKUs – the OnePlus One smartphone, and a rechargeable power bank. That means anything is game in terms of future product launches.
It’s also worth noting that the “gamechanger” teaser could be in reference to the fact that the product is wildly different than anything the company currently offers.
The drone industry is growing rapidly at present, and getting into the market early could prove profitable for OnePlus.
It’s also important to note that OnePlus’ modus operandi is selling goods for at, or near, production cost.
When you consider that the high cost of drones is one of the main barriers to entry for many consumers, a budget UAV could give OnePlus a significant step up over market rivals.
Let’s just hope OnePlus’ comments on the drone weren’t in jest.