Antigravity Releases First 8K 360-Degree Drone A1
The Antigravity A1 is the first drone designed to record 8K 360-degree video, marking Insta360’s formal entry into the drone sector through its new sub-brand, Antigravity. Initially teased earlier in the year and later detailed across several announcements, the A1 is a compact, sub-250-gram platform combining panoramic capture with an immersive piloting system built around head-tracked goggles and a motion-based controller.
Antigravity was incubated within Insta360 and adopts many of the company’s existing 360-capture technologies. The A1 employs a dual-lens 1/1.28-inch sensor system capable of recording 8K at 30 frames per second, 5.2K at 60 frames per second, and 4K at 100 frames per second. Still images can be captured at 55 megapixels, including DNG files. The two lenses are mounted on the top and bottom of the fuselage to ensure full-sphere coverage without blind spots. Advanced stitching algorithms remove the drone from both the edited footage and the real-time feed seen through the Vision goggles, a process similar to the “invisible selfie stick” approach used in handheld 360 cameras but applied here to a live flight interface.
The A1 follows a “fly first, frame later” workflow that records the entire environment in every flight; footage can later be reframed during post-production, allowing users to select viewpoints, apply pans, or generate effects such as Tiny Planet shots without needing multiple takes or gimbal adjustments. FlowState stabilization, derived from Insta360’s existing technology, keeps footage steady in windy or unstable conditions.
The drone also includes several automated flight and capture tools. Sky Genie enables preset maneuvers such as orbits and spirals, while Deep Track uses subject-tracking algorithms derived from Insta360’s action cameras to maintain framing on moving targets. Sky Path allows users to design autonomous flight routes that can be saved and repeated, enabling consistent camera moves for time-based transitions or comparative footage. A “virtual cockpit” visual overlay is also available through the goggles, offering optional thematic skins without altering flight performance. The drone incorporates a payload detection system intended to prevent operation with unsafe modifications or excess weight, as well as standard safety features including return-to-home.
A central element of the A1’s design is its motion-based control system. Instead of using traditional dual-stick transmitters, pilots operate the drone using a Grip controller that interprets hand movements as flight directions. When paired with the Vision goggles, which contain dual 1-inch Micro-OLED displays at 2560 × 2560 per eye and track head orientation, the drone can be flown by simply pointing the controller and turning one’s head to view the environment. Antigravity presents this configuration as more accessible for new pilots, while still offering an FPV-style mode for users who prefer conventional control dynamics.
The drone offers up to 24 minutes of flight time with its standard battery and up to 39 minutes with an optional high-capacity unit. A retractable landing gear system protects the lower lens during takeoff and landing and retracts once airborne to maintain an unobstructed 360-degree field of view. The aircraft is rated for horizontal speeds of up to 16 m/s, ascent speeds up to 8 m/s, wind resistance up to 10.7 m/s, and a maximum takeoff altitude of 4,000 meters. Also, thanks to its 249 grams weight (when using the standard battery), the A1 remains under common regulatory thresholds in several regions, including the US and EU, where drones above 250 grams require additional certification.
The Antigravity app and Antigravity Studio desktop software support the A1’s editing workflow. The tools provide automated reframing, color correction, and highlight detection to streamline post-flight processing. Automatic editing can produce ready-to-share clips, while manual options allow more advanced control over exported angles and formats. Recorded 360-degree footage can also be reviewed repeatedly from any perspective, enabling multiple edits from a single flight. The drone’s lenses and propellers are user-replaceable, and Antigravity offers an optional protection program covering replacements and flyaway incidents.
The A1 is now available in standard, Explorer, and Infinity bundles, with pricing beginning at USD $1,599 (€1,399). Each package includes the drone, Vision goggles, and Grip controller, with additional accessories depending on the bundle.
