Insta360 previews Antigravity A1 drone

Insta360 introduces a lightweight 360 degree FPV drone built for creators with a first of its kind control system and a three part kit.

Insta360 unveils Antigravity A1 drone

Insta360 previewed the Antigravity A1, a lightweight drone that weighs about 249 grams. It uses two ultrawide cameras mounted on the roof and underside to capture 8K spherical video. The goal is to offer a seamless 360 degree view without the drone appearing in the footage, creating what the company calls an invisible selfie stick in the sky. The A1 will launch as a three part set that includes the flying unit, OLED Vision goggles and a dedicated Grip motion controller. The preproduction model is designed to navigate lighter license rules in many regions, though exact weights and rules may change as testing continues.

Control blends first person goggles with a new Freemotion style controller. The goggles stream 360 video so users can look in any direction while the drone moves, and a reticle on the display guides a trigger based shot. The control system lets users look anywhere while the drone continues to fly, a break from traditional FPV limits. After a flight, users can edit the footage with Insta360s software to crop and reframe a single shot into multiple perspectives. Payload detection adds a safeguard by preventing flight if the drone senses it is carrying too much weight. The company is also running a co creation program inviting pre production testers with a chance to win part of a 20000 prize pool and influence final retail features.

The A1 shifts FPV from a niche, technical hobby into a potentially broader storytelling tool. By letting beginners see from the drone’s perspective without fixed camera directions, it lowers a key barrier to entry while keeping the high energy of FPV flights. The addition of a modular three part kit and external spectator screens makes the experience easier to share and understand for non pilots. The tradeoff may be price and regulatory clarity. If the A1 costs too much or cannot meet local rules, its appeal could be limited despite its novelty and ease of use. The co creation program is smart and could turn user feedback into a stronger product, especially as 360 degree editing workflows mature in the consumer space.

Competition is fierce in the drone market with DJI already dominant in many regions. The A1 introduces a new form factor that could push rivals to raise their game on safety safeguards, battery life and price. Its success will depend on how well Insta360 can translate this complex, media friendly concept into reliable performance, robust support and a clear value proposition for creators who want fast, cinematic results without a steep learning curve.

Highlights

The A1 will live or die by price, ease of use and how well it fits into creator workflows.