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03/29/2024 03:36:57 am

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Intel Enters Drone Market With Falcon 8+

Intel

(Photo : Getty Images) A general view of the Intel booth at the International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Semiconductor manufacturer Intel recently unveiled the company's first drone. Dubbed simply as the Falcon 8+, it is the first drone to carry the Intel brand.

Unlike most drones used by hobbyists, Intel's Falcon 8+ is intended for industrial purposes such as a huge construction site where it will take hours for humans to walk around in order to conduct a full site inspection.

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The Intel Falcon 8+ weighs a mere six pounds. Intel claims that its drone, thanks in part to its lightweight build, can fly faster than most hobbyist drones. Intel said that the Falcon 8+ can reach a top speed of up to 35 miles per hour, according to Recode.

The Falcon 8+ marks Intel's first foray into the drones market. Ascending Technologies, which Intel first struck a partnership with but later decided to acquire, helped the chipmaker in refining the drone's 360-degree depth-perception cameras letting it avoid collision even when flown in high speed.

The Falcon 8+ drone comes with a waterproof cockpit, which has a joystick and a tablet. The cockpit looks more robust compared to consumer-grade drones that mostly rely on smartphones for control.

The recent decline of the PC market is forcing Intel to diversify its revenue stream, many analysts have pointed out.

Prior to launching the Falcon 8+ drone, Intel has already dabbled into the smartwatch market with its acquisition of Basis Science. The company has been working on its own virtual reality headset, the Project Alloy, as well. Intel has yet to confirm the official release date of the latter.

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