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  • Drone maker DJI to shut Hong Kong flagship within a week

    Drone maker DJI to shut Hong Kong flagship within a week

    Shenzhen-headquartered drone maker DJI is to close its Hong Kong flagship store in Causeway Bay – but the company says the move is unrelated to strict new laws restricting drone use in the territory.

    The three-story, 930sqm store, which displays the brand’s range of aerial and handheld devices and includes a space where people can carry out test flights, will close from next Monday.

    A sign affixed to the storefront says DJI remains committed to its customers and partners in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the world and that the company would continue to develop the industry’s most advanced drones and creative camera technology.

    Responding to an inquiry from the South China Morning Post, a DJI spokesperson said the flagship’s closure reflected the company’s evolving needs and had “no connection” with the new regulations requiring drone operators to be trained and licensed to fly the devices. That law takes effect next June.

    After the store’s closure, the company’s drones will remain on sale online and through authorized dealers.

    DJI opened the store in September 2016. At the time it was the brand’s third retail store, following one in Shenzhen and another in Seoul.

    A flight cage on the ground floor showcases drones in action and a SkyPixel Gallery on the first floor features international aerial photography. A technical support center and space for workshops, seminars, and special events are located on the second floor.

    Under the new Hong Kong law, drones weighing between 250gm and 7kg must be registered, and pilots must undertake online training. Insurance will become mandatory.

  • DJI Introduces P4 Multispectral For Precision Agriculture andLand Management

    DJI Introduces P4 Multispectral For Precision Agriculture andLand Management

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, is setting a new standard for easy-to-use agricultural drone applications with P4 Multispectral, the world’s first fully-integrated multispectral imaging drone designed for precision agriculture and environmental management.

    P4 Multispectral combines data from six separate sensors to measure the health of crops, from individual plants to entire fields, as well as weeds, insects and a variety of soil conditions. With the agriculture drone market expected to grow from $1.2 billion USD in 2019 to 4.8 billion by 2020, P4 Multispectral provides farmers and agronomists with a new tool to improve crop yields, cut costs and helps environmental professionals easily monitor vegetation on the land they manage.

    “P4 Multispectral has the promise to transform the agriculture and land management industries by collecting precise plant-level data without having to send personnel into the field for manual surveys,” said Jan Gasparic, Director of Strategic Partnerships at DJI. “By combining multispectral imaging into a trusted, efficient and affordable tool, DJI is making this transformative technology more accessible to professionals around the world who are pioneering the adoption of drones in their industries.”

    Precise Multispectral Imaging

    P4 Multispectral features a gimbal-stabilized imaging system composed of one RGB camera and a multispectral camera array with five narrow band sensors – including red edge and near-infrared – that are capable of capturing visible and invisible light. This data gives trained professionals unique insights into vegetation stress, soil composition as well as water salinity and contamination. An additional integrated spectral sunlight sensor maximizes the accuracy and consistency of data collection during missions flown at different times of the day.

    Seamless integration into the DJI Ground Station Pro flight planning app allows pilots to switch between real-time views of the drone’s RGB video camera and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) output for immediate insights while in the field. An integrated RTK positioning module and TimeSync system support real-time, accurate positioning data for each image, optimizing photogrammetric results and providing centimeter-level accurate measurements.

    Industry Workflow Compatibility

    P4 Multispectral is compatible with standard industry workflows including flight programming, mapping, and analytics software from DJI and other leading providers. Using the DJI GS Pro application, users can create automated and repeatable missions including flight planning, mission execution, and flight data management. Data collected can be easily imported into DJI Terra or a suite of third-party software including Pix4D Mapper and DroneDeploy, for analysis and to generate additional vegetation index maps. In addition, P4 Multispectral users can enhance the accuracy of RTK positioning without an internet connection by using DJI’s D-RTK 2 High-Precision GNSS Mobile Station, which supports all major global satellite navigation systems, or using a third-party network RTK via an iPad with an internet connection.

    Powerful Performance

    Built on the iconic Phantom airframe, P4 Multispectral leverages DJI’s powerful OcuSync transmission system for a smooth flight experience with less signal interference, enhanced video transmission, and a 7km maximum transmission range. Each of its 2-megapixel cameras features a global shutter for precise imaging during flight with a maximum 27 minutes of flight time per battery.

    Availability

    DJI P4 Multispectral will be available in October through authorized DJI Enterprise dealers worldwide. The P4 Multispectral costs $6,499 USD and comes with a 1-year free license to DJI Terra (Basic) Windows software and a 1-year free license to DJI GS Pro (Team-Professional) iPad app. Customers can also purchase the P4 Multispectral with the D-RTK 2 Mobile Base Station for a total of $9,100 USD. All purchases of a P4 Multispectral in the United States, Canada, China, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom and the European Union will enjoy a 1-year Enterprise Shield Basic coverage on their new drone, at no additional cost.

    P4 Multispectral was announced at AirWorks 2019, DJI’s annual commercial drone conference that brings together DJI customers and its ecosystem of drone solution providers for three days to inspire, connect and energize attendees about the beneficial drone applications available to enterprises today as well as the future of the global commercial drone industry. As part of the introduction of P4 Multispectral, DJI was joined on-stage by DroneDeploy’s CEO, Mike Winn and Corteva Agriscience’s U.S. Digital Ag Lead, Jeremy Groeteke to share their insights on drone technology in agriculture.

  • DJI Osmo Action Camera Captures Every Adventure in Stunning 4K Detail

    DJI Osmo Action Camera Captures Every Adventure in Stunning 4K Detail

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, building on its heritage of advanced image stabilization, takes a bold new direction with the Osmo Action camera. Utilizing DJI’s unparalleled experience with capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments, Osmo Action is as rugged as it is sophisticated, opening worlds of creative potential for professionals and adventure seekers alike.

    “DJI has always pushed the limits of technology, and the content creators who love our products made clear they wanted us to push the limits of their creative potential too. Osmo Action is our cutting-edge answer to what the creative community demands. Exceptional image quality and stabilization in a unique and durable new form factor, with dual color screens and seamless software integration. For all types of creators who push their gear to the limits, Osmo Action sets the new standard,” said Roger Luo, DJI President. “Whether you are capturing aerial content with Mavic 2, incredibly smooth content with Osmo Pocket, or heart-racing footage with Osmo Action, DJI offers a full suite of products for your creative needs.”

    Rugged construction and intuitive design

    A compact yet durable design makes Osmo Action the ideal camera for life’s adventures. Constructed to handle extreme conditions with ease, Osmo Action is dustproof, shockproof[1], waterproof[2] and has the ability to operate in sub-freezing temperatures[3]. Osmo Action utilizes color screens on both the front and back, a unique design feature that allows for more convenient scene composition while on the move. The 2.25-inch rear touchscreen employs a water and fingerprint repelling coating, and the 1.4-inch front screen makes vlogging and selfies easier than ever before. With a brightness of 750-nits, Osmo Action can be used in harsh lighting conditions including direct sunlight.

    Osmo Action’s interactive user interface, Action OS, combines a streamlined and functional physical design with flexible operation. Power on, initiate recording, and rotate through the video and photo capture modes in the blink of an eye with three dedicated buttons. Never miss a moment with the help of SnapShot, which allows Osmo Action to turn on and begin recording in under two seconds by pressing the shutter button once.

    Advanced technology with exceptional image quality

    A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photos and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail, assuring high-quality footage. A three-glass aspherical lens design records low-distortion content and aids in reducing warping effects for improved scenes. The lens cap is finished with two layers of anti-fingerprint coating to keep the shot clean during use, as well as an anti-reflective coating to reduce the unwanted effects of lens glare, giving users more flexibility to shoot in bright conditions.

    Incorporating over a decade of experience creating three-axis mechanical gimbals, Osmo Action is the first DJI handheld camera to include RockSteady, DJI’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. High-performance stabilization algorithms work in conjunction with EIS to record every movement in smooth, stable, high-quality video, even when recording 4K/60fps. Additionally, Osmo Action is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 4K/30fps, delivering an additional three stops of dynamic range to the scene, natural transitions between light and dark areas, and rich details that are often lost in complex lighting conditions. Osmo Action has a removable battery with a run time of 93 minutes recording at 4K/30fps with RockSteady enabled, and 135 minutes recording at 1080p/30fps without RockSteady. Dual microphones let users take advantage of Osmo Action’s Voice Control, and a speaker ensures outstanding playback quality.

    Creative, intelligent features

    A staple in DJI’s product lineup, Osmo Action offers a wide variety of highly creative features built into the camera which users can access with a few simple taps. While recording, choose between:

    • Slo-mo: 8x slow motion in 1080p 240fps or 4x slow motion in 1080p 120fps creates a visually appealing effect when documenting action-packed scenes.
    • Timelapse: If the user is looking to turn minutes into seconds, Timelapse is perfect for capturing unique content with the effect of the world moving faster.
    • Custom Exposure settings: Shoot for the stars with manual and semi-automatic settings that allow up to 120 seconds of exposure, perfect for capturing the night sky.

    Unlocking Osmo Action’s full potential[4]

    Using the recently released DJI Mimo app, connect Osmo Action to your mobile device with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for added functionality, including a live feed of the camera, multiple story templates, in-app quick editing, and more. An ecosystem of accessories helps unleash all the possibilities of Osmo Action including:

    • Camera Frame Kit: Included with Osmo Action, the Camera Frame Kit offers a universal mount for additional accessories and a window for the LED indicator to show camera status in real time while protecting the device.
    • Adhesive Mounts: Attach Osmo Action to flat or curved surfaces including skateboards, bikes, helmets, and more to capture fast-paced moments. Both the curved and flat adhesive mounts are included with Osmo Action.
    • Waterproof Case: The waterproof case protects the device at depths down to 60 meters while providing a clear image using high-strength glass.
    • 3.5mm Adapter: The 3.5mm adapter offers users the ability to connect an external mic for professional sound recording.
    • Extension Rod: Capture unique angles using the Extension Rod, which features a rotatable phone holder and a ¼-inch screw adapter.
    • Floating Handle: The Floating Handle offers a comfortable grip for Osmo Action and keeps it floating when shooting in water.
    • Filters: Osmo Action comes with Neutral Density (ND), Polarizer, and underwater filters. ND filters (ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32) reduce light exposure in various environments, while Polarizer filters reduce reflections and increase color saturation for a more appealing image. Orange Seawater and Purple Freshwater filters restore the natural color of underwater scenes.
    • Charging Hub: Charge up to three batteries simultaneously in less than 130 minutes.

    Price and Availability

    Osmo Action retails for $2,999 HKD and will start shipping immediately after the announcement on May 16 at store.dji.com and from authorized dealers on May 22. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Osmo Action, please visit https://www.dji.com/osmo-action.

    DJI Care Refresh

    DJI Care Refresh is now available for Osmo Action. For an additional $299 HKD, DJI Care Refresh offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. Receive your replacement even sooner with DJI Care Refresh Express. DJI Care Refresh also includes VIP after-sales support and free two-way shipping. For a full list of details, please visit https://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh.

  • DJI Introduces DJI Terra To Capture, Visualize And Analyze Drone Data

    DJI Introduces DJI Terra To Capture, Visualize And Analyze Drone Data

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today introduced DJI Terra, a new software tool that transforms drone data into digital 3D models and maps for easy analysis and decision making. DJI Terra enables businesses and organizations using DJI drone technology to capture, visualize and analyze aerial images for a wide variety of applications across the public safety, construction, infrastructure, agriculture and film industries.

    “As the leader in the commercial drone industry, DJI continues to develop accessible and easy-to-use hardware and software solutions that help organizations transform their operations with drone technology and gain a competitive advantage in their industries,” said Sunny Liao, Director of Enterprise at DJI. “As an all-in-one mapping and modeling solution, DJI Terra makes it simple and efficient to extract value from drone data, generating conclusions and recommendations across multiple use cases from crash reconstructions to critical infrastructure inspections as well as agriculture field mapping and construction site modeling.”

    Automatic Flight Planning and Data Capture

    DJI Terra helps commercial drone pilots quickly plan automated flights with several easy-to-use options based on the area or objects they’d like to capture and the type of map or 3D model they’d like to create. It features three mission planning types:

    • Area – Capture a specific area quickly and easily by drawing a custom polygonal flight zone on a map. DJI Terra automatically generates efficient flight path options based on the area selected.
    • Waypoint – Create dynamic custom flight paths through an area or around objects using waypoints and adjustable parameters like aircraft altitude, speed, heading, gimbal pitch and angle. For more complex missions that require high attention to detail, the 3D Flight Visualization feature enables the design and simulation of missions on existing 3D models.
    • Oblique – Capture a rich data set by automatically flying the same route multiple times. Each flight automatically adjusts the angle of the camera to capture new details, giving an extra crisp 3D model of the object or asset from multiple angles.

    Real-time Mapping and Detailed 3D Models

    With real-time mapping capabilities, DJI Terra allows drone pilots to quickly generate 2D orthomosaic maps as the drone flies, ideal for time-sensitive missions where situational awareness is critical and decisions need to be made in minutes. DJI Terra’s fast processing capability also creates sharp and realistic representations of any environment through detailed 2D orthomosaics and 3D model reconstructions used for industrial applications like reconstructing vehicle crashes, tracking progress on construction projects or conducting large-scale critical infrastructure inspections on bridges and roadways.

    Easy Data Analysis

    In addition to map and model creation, DJI Terra helps users analyze data and generate instant insights with easy-to-use analysis tools that provide a variety of measurements including linear distance, surface area and volumetric estimations. To improve team communication and reporting throughout ongoing projects, annotation labels can be edited and shared. For detailed site inspections and accident reconstruction situations, DJI Terra’s photo inspection tool lets users closely examine every photo used to create the model so they can pinpoint and highlight critical elements.

    Availability

    DJI Terra is available today for purchase through authorized DJI Enterprise resellers worldwide and is compatible with Windows PCs and all current DJI Phantom 4 Series drones.

  • SkyPixel Announces Winners Of Its 2018 Aerial Storytelling Contest

    SkyPixel Announces Winners Of Its 2018 Aerial Storytelling Contest

     SkyPixel, one of the world’s most popular aerial photography community, announced the winners of its 2018 Aerial Storytelling Contest. Co-organized with DJI, this year’s contest attracted over 30,000 submissions from professional photographers, videographers, aerial enthusiasts and content creators from 141 countries.

    The Video Category grand prize winner Ain Raadik shared a collection of adventures from his travels across New Zealand, Japan & around his home in Australia. “For me drones are an incredible film making tool that help me to further share the ideologies behind my work through new and unique perspectives,” said Raadik. “Instead of staying put in one place, my life stories are being told through accumulating explorations of new places with my Inspire 2. Passions for film making, testing physical limits and exploring new locations are all heavily influential factors behind my work. And I hope everyone would find their own passion in life and stick to it.”

    The grand prize winner in the Photo Category Deryk Baumgartner used his Mavic Pro to capture the sun-bathed monastery rising out of fog, framed by the ribbons of water on Mont Saint Michel in northern France. “I was sitting on a rock fighting with stubborn wind and thick rain for the whole morning. The sun came up when I was just about to stand up and go home,” Baumgartner said. “This photo tells a simple story of you and me. Stick to it for a little longer in life when you are just about to fold, the silver lining would often unveil itself.”

    In addition to the Grand Prize Winners, there were also First, Second and Third Prizes in the travel, sports, urban life, nature and creativity categories. From football match on Lofoten islands to morning prayer in Bagan to the dazzling traffic in Bangkok, the winning submissions captured amazing stories that took place in different parts of the globe.

    This year, the judging panel included a jury of award-winning directors, photographers and influencers, including Toby Strong, famous documentary photographer who has won many Emmy and BAFTA awards, and Ben Nott, one of Australia’s most prestigious DP and an ACS member.

    Every year, SkyPixel organizes aerial photo and video contests to call on creators around the world to share their artwork and stories captured from above. This contest marked the inaugural celebration for both photographers and videographers to come together in a single event.

  • DJI Introduces A Smart Remote Controller With Built-In Display at CES 2019

    DJI Introduces A Smart Remote Controller With Built-In Display at CES 2019

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, continues its tradition of making aerial technology accessible to everyone by introducing a powerful new remote controller for its drones at CES 2019. The Smart Controller features an ultra-bright display screen and controls optimized for DJI drones, allowing pilots to fly the newest drones without using a smartphone or tablet. DJI will also be exhibiting its full lineup of consumer drones and handheld imaging products at its booth at CES 2019, including the new Osmo Pocket stabilized camera, and will host exciting workshops, hands-on product demonstrations and more. Attendees can find DJI in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.


    Smart Controller Expands Pilot Options The DJI Smart Controller expands the ecosystem of accessories built around DJI’s industry leading drone technology. Using a crisp 5.5” screen built into the controller itself, the Smart Controller allows pilots to quickly get their drone in the air without the need to connect a mobile device. It can be paired with DJI’s newest drones including Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro1 which use DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system, displaying vivid images in Full HD resolution. Drone pilots can take advantage of its compact, highly portable design that has been optimized for use in direct sunlight. It features an ultra-bright display with an output of 1000 cd/m2, twice the brightness of standard smart phones. A customizable Android dashboard supports DJI GO 4, DJI Pilot2, along with various third-party apps such as editing programs. The DJI GO 4 app also touts several new features including SkyTalk, that allows pilots to livestream the drone’s camera feed to social channels including Facebook, Instagram and WeChat so that anyone can experience the thrill of flying a drone. Another new feature is DJI GO-Share which easily transfers imagery from the Controller to your mobile device. The DJI Smart Controller brings a new level of reliability when flying, with 2.5 hours of battery life and the ability to operate in adverse temperatures as cold as -4° Fahrenheit and as hot as 104° Fahrenheit.

  • SkyPixel And DJI Kick Off The Biggest Aerial Photo& Video Contest of 2018

    SkyPixel And DJI Kick Off The Biggest Aerial Photo& Video Contest of 2018

    DJI and SkyPixel, the world’s most popular aerial photography community, are kicking off their annual SkyPixel Aerial Photo & Video Contest. Running from December 18, 2018 to February 18, 2019, the contest is a showcase for the world captured from above, and welcomes submissions from professional photographers, videographers, aerial enthusiasts and content creators around the globe.

    The 2018 SkyPixel Aerial Photo & Video Contest consists of two storytelling formats, one in photography and the other in video form. There is no restriction on the type or brand of aerial equipment, and participants can submit as many photos or videos as they wish.

    Contestants can win a range of prizes, including a Hasselblad X1D-50c camera, DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone and the new Osmo Pocket three-axis stabilized gimbal. In addition, SkyPixel will organize a series of exhibitions at different DJI Flagship Stores in 2019 to showcase the winning pieces. Select work will also be featured and introduced at workshops hosted by winners and professional photographers in conjunction with SkyPixel.

    “DJI has redefined how a drone should look like and what it can do. The compact size, portability and powerful imaging system of our drones have also made capturing amazing aerial content easier than ever before. Now anyone can take their creativity and inspirations to the skies,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. “We are seeing more and more aerial photographers and content creators sharing their unique perspectives and stories of the world via SkyPixel. With this contest, we hope to encourage more people to learn about aerial technology, and together embrace this new creative way of storytelling.”

    Since 2014, the SkyPixel online community (www.skypixel.com) has attracted professional aerial photographers and content creators from more than 140 countries. SkyPixel contests over the past three years have received over 100,000 submissions, a huge collection of extraordinary footage focusing on nature, culture, architecture, and original aerial masterpieces.

    Details of the 2018 SkyPixel Aerial Photo & Video Contest

    The video contest consists of five categories:

    • Nature: Capture footage of natural scenery, wildlife and landscapes
    • City: Showcase the beauty of urban landscapes and man-made architecture
    • Sport: Capture moments in movement and the power and energy of humans doing sports
    • Travel: Share a story about humanity, culture, or your unforgettable adventure (people should be included in these videos)
    • Creative: With your aerial techniques or intelligent features on your drone, curate a visual story to showcase your creative skills and extraordinary visual effectsVideo submissions should not be longer than five minutes and must feature at least 30 seconds of aerial footage.

    The photo contest consists of four categories:

    • Nature: Capture a moment in time and reveal the true beauty of nature
    • Architecture: Discover amazing structures from a new perspective
    • Fun: Experience the world from unique angle while capturing moments of fun
    • Sport: Capture the energy and excitement of an athlete pursuing their dreams

    No matter what categories participants decide to enter, they should always fly with caution, observe their flight environment and follow local regulations at all times.

    From these nine categories, SkyPixel and DJI will give away 49 awards, including two Grand Prizes, and nine first, second and third prizes in each category. There will also be 10 Nominated Entries that are selected by a panel of judges and 10 by popular vote, measured by which submissions get the most likes during the contest period. Contest awards include the Hasselblad X1D-50c camera, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Osmo Pocket and other products worth a total of approximately $120, 000 USD.

    This year, the judging panel is composed of award-winning directors, photographers and influencers, including Toby Strong, a documentary photographer who has won many Emmy and BAFTA awards, and Ben Nott, one of Australia’s most prestigious directors of photography and an ACS member.

  • DJI x LINE launches character-branded drone

    DJI x LINE launches character-branded drone

    Shenzhen-headquartered tech firm DJI has released of a Line Friends drone, its first character-branded device.

    The move is expected to be a step towards making the technology more accessible to a wider audience. The miniature camera drone depicts the popular character Brown, and is small enough to lift off from the palm, with a photo-taking capacity of 12 megapixels and 1080p stabilised video capture. The Line Friends drone has the distinctive feature of being able to be controlled with hand gestures.

    DJI’s senior communication manager Monica Suk said, “The DJI Spark earned its reputation as the smallest, yet powerful flying camera. It made flying a drone extremely easy, fun and more personalised. Similar to other things we carry in our bags, a drone is becoming a lifestyle accessory.

    “This special edition Line Friends drone will take this concept even further and make storytelling and sharing exciting, and a part of our everyday life.”

    The Line Friends drone (Brown) Spark RC Combo is selling at US$399 in North America, China, Hong Kong and Korea.

  • Asics tapped a DJ for its new brand campaign

    Asics tapped a DJ for its new brand campaign

    Asics is debuting a new brand campaign called “I Move Me,” which features DJ Steve Aoki. The athletic shoe and apparel company aims to reset what shoppers know its products for.

    The sports retail market was already facing headwinds before Amazon decided it wanted to encroach on the space. Now, those pains are only being exacerbated.

    In October 2017, Amazon declared that is working with some of the sporting goods’ industry’s biggest suppliers, looking to create its own private-label lines. It is a move that could threaten companies ranging from Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker, to Lululemon and Gap’s Athletanameplate.

    The sports world could take some “important lessons” from so-called fast-fashion players like Zara, analysts say.

    After he took the helm at Asics, Asics America Group Chief Executive Gene McCarthy  brought in new management, pulled product out of some third-party retailers and even held a “tough” conversation with Amazon, deciding it was best to renegotiate that relationship.

    Asics will sell directly to Amazon, he said, but shoppers can still find the brand on Amazon.com through third-party sellers, or those relationships McCarthy has made a priority as CEO.

    Nike, in comparison, caved earlier this year when it announced plans to sell some of its product assortment on Amazon’s U.S. e-commerce platform.

    Asics is repositioning its brand by telling a story that dates back to the company’s inception in Japan in 1949. Founder Kihachiro Onitsuka built the brand around motivating children to “move” and be active, McCarthy explained.

    Today, Asics is still publicly traded in Japan, and its name is an acronym for the Latin phrase “anima sana in corpore sano,” which translates to “healthy soul in a healthy body.”

    Asics’ “I Move Me” campaign, which rolls out online and in Asics’ handful of stores on Wednesday, was crafted by working with international DJ Steve Aoki. The shoe company has taken a nontraditional approach, using a brand ambassador who isn’t a star athlete, but Asics aims to be unique and hopes to reach a larger audience with its refreshed messaging.

    “My life is not only about music and fashion, but also fitness, nutrition and health,” Aoki said in a statement.

    Aoki is also of Japanese descent. He is already begun promoting the brand on his social media channels, where he boasts millions of followers.

    Asics has also promised more nontraditional brand ambassadors for an athletic shoe company to come. The goal is to have a greater voice in an increasingly crowded market.

    To many shoppers, Asics is considered a brand for “performance” activity, not so much for casual wear. While McCarthy said he doesn’t want Asics to get away from its core and what it does best, he wants to reach more consumers and encourage a healthier lifestyle, just as Onitsuka was trying to do in the ’40s in Japan.

    In addition to beefing up its online platform, Asics is opening a slew of new stores and growing its relationships with its closest third-party retailers, like Foot Locker, McCarthy said.

    To be sure, companies like Foot Locker, Hibbett Sports and Finish Line are facing their own challenges, as big-name brands decide to scale back product in stores and sell more online or through their own channels, like Nike.com.

    McCarthy said he’s noticed the environment become tumultuous and competitive in recent years. But he doesn’t see a world without retail, or without brands.

  • DJI Arena about to take off in Japan

    DJI Arena about to take off in Japan

    DJI Arena by JDrone Tokyo will launch on Saturday, introducing the Chinese retailer of civilian drones and aerial imaging technology.

    It is not only a store, but also offers technical support and even a flying area in its 535sqm arena, to be managed by authorised dealer Japan Circuit in partnership with DJI Japan.

    For customers who want to test their skills, the flying area has safety nets and an adjustable circuit, while the retail space will showcase DJI’s full range of consumer, professional and enterprise products.

    “As interest around our aerial technology continues to grow, the DJI Arena concept is a new way for us to engage not just hobbyists but also those considering this technology for their work,” says DJI director of brand management and operations Moon Tae-Hyun.

    “Having the opportunity to use the remote controller and try out the technology first hand can enrich the customer experience. When people understand how it works or how easy it is to fly, they will discover what the technology can do for them.”

    As well as individual and group bookings, the DJI Arena will be available for corporate events, serve as a venue for DJI’s New Pilot Experience Program and host workshops.

    Since opening last year, DJI’s first arena, in Yongin, South Korea, has been attracting hobbyists and drone enthusiasts from around the world.

    The Tokyo arena is in Katsushika-ku, Hosoda.

  • Tencent brand is still China’s most valuable

    Tencent brand is still China’s most valuable

    Chinese technology giant Tencent remains China’s most valuable brand, growing its worth 29 per cent to US$106 billion, according to the BrandZ top 100 most valuable Chinese brands report.

    It shows that technology brands continued to lead the way, with the Tencent brand strengthening its hold on the top spot thanks to the popularity of its social-media platform WeChat. Tencent was also one of three technology brands in the top 20 “risers” listing.

    With Tencent on the top 100 list are NetEase (31) and Sina (61). Making its debut in the 40th spot is e-commerce brand VIP.com.

    Web portal Sina’s initiatives in live video and self-broadcasting through its Weibo platform helped build its following among young people and attract advertising revenue, driving a 43 per cent rise in brand value to $900 million.

    NetEase, which makes online and mobile games and offers an e-mail service, grew 36 per cent to $2.6 billion.

    Sectors still dependent on the traditional economy, such as banks, insurance, and oil and gas, have declined 6 per cent in value. The exceptions are alcohol, and food and dairy.

    Several brands of baijiu, China’s traditional rice wine, have expanded distribution and adjusted pricing and marketing to reach a broader audience. This allowed them to make up for a decline in sales after government measures to limit extravagance at official events reduced demand for alcohol, especially premium brands. Moutai increased 41 per cent in value, entering the top 10 for the first time in ninth position.

    Some entrepreneurial Chinese brands are looking for overseas success before returning attention to their home market, such as digital brands Anker, DJI, Elex and Ninebot.

    Millennials are playing an increasing role in commercial and brand success in China, says the report. They tend to favour brands that are famous or trendy, and the research reveals the brand most successful at increasing millennial loyalty is mobile phone Oppo, up 157 per cent since 2014.

    “Chinese brands are taking the leap and going global on the back of three key factors: the country’s rising international stature, pressure to find alternative sources of growth as the domestic market slows, and increasing overseas consumer receptivity to Chinese brands,” says BrandZ global head Doreen Wang.

  • DJI Opens Its Second China Flagship Store In Shanghai

    DJI Opens Its Second China Flagship Store In Shanghai

    DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, will open the doors of its Shanghai flagship store to the public on December 10, giving residents of China’s largest city the opportunity to explore the creative and professional possibilities that drone technology has brought to the world. 

    Located at the center of Shanghai’s busiest shopping, dining and entertainment district in Xintiandi (aka “New Heaven and Earth”), the two-story, 500-square-meters flagship store will display DJI’s full range of aerial platforms and camera products. Drone enthusiasts and novices alike can get hands-on experience with DJI’s market-leading technology, from the foldable yet powerful Mavic Pro personal drone to the latest professional products such as the Phantom 4 Pro and Inspire 2 drones. 

    “2016 is a milestone year for DJI as we celebrate 10 years of imagination, inspiration and innovation,” said Paul Xu, DJI Vice President. “We’ve expanded creative possibilities for professionals, and we’ve made it easier for general consumers to experience the fun and excitement of flight. Our flagship stores have become important touch points for people to discover, learn and be inspired. Our newest Shanghai flagship store will allow us to continue on this path and provide more people the opportunity to experience our aerial technology first hand.”

    The Shanghai flagship store’s building retains traditional Shanghainese architectural elements, combining Western and Chinese design concepts. The outdoor cafes, art galleries and lifestyle boutiques in the surrounding Xintiandi neighborhood also create a vibrant cultural backdrop for the new flagship store.

     The first floor of the DJI Shanghai flagship store will house a 20-square-meters flight cage demonstrating DJI drones in flight, which can also be seen by pedestrians outside the store. Also on the first floor is the Technical Support Center and the DJI Story Corner where visitors can see creative use cases and the evolution of the DJI Story on a curved surface projection screen. The SkyPixel Gallery on the second floor will showcase breathtaking aerial images by photographers from around the world. A dedicated space is also set aside for future customer workshops, photography seminars and special events.

    The DJI Shanghai flagship store will officially open its doors to the public at 12 noon on Saturday, December 10. The first 300 customers can enjoy special discounts when purchasing selected DJI products or bundles on opening day. The first 100 visitors to the store will also receive a limited edition DJI t-shirt.

    In celebration of the store opening, there will be a series of activities and programs throughout the day around the Xintiandi area. Life-size DJI Phantom and Osmo mascots will kickstart the opening celebration with a street parade, flight simulators and virtual reality goggles will be set up for people to experience the thrill of being in the pilot’s seat, and those who want to play the role of a movie director can try out the Osmo+ and Osmo Mobile handheld stabilized gimbals.

    The Shanghai flagship store is DJI’s fourth foray into retail after opening its first flagship store in Shenzhen, China in December 2015, followed by the Seoul, Korea flagship store opening in March and the Hong Kong flagship store opening in September.

    The DJI Shanghai flagship store is located at No. 222 Madang Road, Xintiandi, Shanghai, China. Opening hours of the store are Mon – Sun, 10 am to 10 pm. The Technical Support Center will begin operations the following Monday, December 12, and is opened Mon – Sun, 10 am to 10 pm.

  • DJI Launches Xmas Promotion

    DJI Launches Xmas Promotion

    DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial technology, Monday launched its Xmas Promotion featuring price reductions, free accessories with purchases and special holiday gifts.

    Whether you are a content creator looking for the best stabilized handheld camera equipment to shoot your next online video or an experienced aerial photographer looking to take your skills to the next level, there is something for everyone to be excited about this holiday season. 

    DJI’s Xmas Promotion will commence December 12, 2016 and end at 4 pm HK time January 5, 2017. The Phantom discount and Osmo bundle promotion will be available on https://campaign.dji.com/xmas, at authorized DJI dealers and in the Shanghai, Shenzhen, Seoul and Hong Kong DJI Flagship Stores. 

    The DJI Xmas Promotion features:

    • Price reductions on select Phantom drone models as detailed in the chart below (excluding Japan and China).
    • Free High Capacity Intelligent Battery with the purchase of the Osmo+ handheld stabilizer or free Intelligent Battery and Osmo Base with the purchase of the Osmo Mobile.
    • All DJI Care service plans are discounted by 12%. For more info and applicable countries, please visit https://store.dji.com/category/service.
    • The first 400 customers who purchase the recently released Phantom 4 Pro or Inspire 2 at store.dji.com/ will receive a special holiday gift which includes a DJI scarf and 3D Christmas card.

    Pricing Details:

    Model

     

    AUD

    HKD

    TWD

    USD

    (SGP & MYS)

    Phantom 4

    Original Price

    2,099

    9,299

    53,000

    1,279

    Promotional Price

    1,699

    7,999

    37,400

    1,069

    Phantom 3 Professional

    Original Price

    1,699

    7,999

    36,800

    1,070

    Promotional Price

    1,399

    6,499

    30,000

    859

    Phantom 3 Standard

    Original Price

    859

    3,869

    18,300

    530

    Promotional Price

    689

    3,199

    15,000

    429

    Phantom 4 – Obstacle avoidance, intelligent tracking and computer vision, allowing you to experience a simplified flying experience

    The Phantom 4 expands on previous generations of DJI’s iconic Phantom line by adding new on-board intelligence that make piloting and shooting great shots simple through features like its Obstacle Sensing System, ActiveTrack and TapFly. It is the first consumer quadcopter to use highly advanced computer vision and sensing technology, which makes professional aerial imaging easier for everyone.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/phantom-4 

    Phantom 3 Professional – Smart, responsive and stable, enabling you to unleash your creativity

    The Phantom 3 Professional makes flying remarkably easy so you can shoot like a pro. With GPS-assisted hover, Vision Positioning System, smart features such as Return-To-Home, Point of Interest, Follow Me and real-time flight data, capturing the perfect shot has never been easier. The Phantom 3 Professional is one of the most intelligent, ready-to-fly drone that allows you to unleash all sorts of creative possibilities.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/phantom-3-pr 

    Phantom 3 Standard – Remarkably intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of flight

    The Phantom 3 Standard makes flying fun and exciting with its powerful, responsive motors. Soar on the path you want, stop in place, speed up, or fly higher in an instant. From takeoff to landing, it’s completely under your control while its onboard intelligent features does all the work, making it the most affordable and easy to fly consumer drone.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/phantom-3-standard 

    Osmo+ – Control your composition with zoom and capture smooth, cinematic videos

    The Osmo+ allows you to capture motion without blur, action shots without shake and create the perfect video even on the move. It is DJI’s first consumer handheld gimbal with an integrated zoom camera that empower users with a 7× zoom without sacrificing HD quality. This gives you more control over your composition than ever before, allowing you to frame the perfect shot.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/osmo-plus

    Osmo Mobile – Turn your smartphone into a smart motion camera

    The Osmo Mobile allows you to capture memories and share life’s moments more easily than ever before by turning your smartphone into a motion camera. It can make every moment you shoot look smooth, professional and ready to share. With the DJI GO app, you can automatically track your subject, capture stunning motion timelapses or even stream your moment as it happens.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile

    Phantom 4 Pro – An intelligent, easy to use aerial platform for those who demand more from the camera

    The Phantom 4 Pro offers a powerful imaging system for those who demand excellence from the camera. The camera packs a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor and almost 12 stops of dynamic range to bring out levels of detail even in low-light. Enhanced features include sensing systems on the four sides that help it avoid obstacles, Landing Protection function and newly added subject tracking capabilities.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/phantom-4-pro

    Inspire 2 – A ready-to-fly platform for professional filmmakers and video creators

    The Inspire 2 takes everything that was good about the revolutionary Inspire 1 and improves it, with an upgraded camera system, dual intelligent battery, autonomous flight features and added sensors for better obstacle detection. An upgraded video transmission system is now capable of dual signal frequency and dual channel, streaming video from an onboard FPV camera and the main camera simultaneously, for better pilot and camera operator collaboration.

    For more info: https://www.dji.com/inspire-2

  • DJI second China flagship store opens

    DJI second China flagship store opens

    Aerial vehicle technology retailer DJI will open its second China flagship store in Shanghai tomorrow.

    dji-first-floor-product-display

    The two-storey store is in the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment precinct Xintiandi.

    dji-first-floor-enterprise-products

    Covering 500 sqm, it offers the full range of DJI aerial platforms and camera products, offering hands-on experience of its products, including the foldable Mavic Pro personal drone and professional drones Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro.

    dji-first-floor-full-image-2

    Combining Chinese and Western design concepts, the store is surrounded by outdoor cafes, art galleries and lifestyle boutiques. The first floor features a 20 sqm flight cage so drones can be seen in  flight, even by pedestrians passing by the store. There is also a technical support centre and the DJI Story Corner.

    dji-first-floor-accessories

    On the second floor, the SkyPixel Gallery showcases aerial images by international photographers, along with a space for customer workshops, photography seminars and special events.

    To celebrate the store’s opening, there will be activities and programs throughout the day.

    DJI’s first flagship store opened in Shenzhen last year.

  • DJI Opens Its Third Flagship Store In Hong Kong

    DJI Opens Its Third Flagship Store In Hong Kong

    DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, will open the doors of its Hong Kong flagship store to the public this coming Saturday, September 24, making it the third DJI flagship store in the world.

    Located at the center of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping district in Causeway Bay, the three-story, 10,000+ square-feet flagship store will display DJI’s full range of aerial and handheld products. The flight cage on the ground floor will allow visitors to see DJI drones in action even from outside the store. The SkyPixel Gallery on the first floor will showcase breathtaking examples of aerial photography from around the world. The second floor will house the technical support center* and a dedicated space for workshops, seminars and special events. Adding to Hong Kong’s iconic skyline is an animated display on the facade of the building, illuminating the instantly recognizable shapes of the DJI drones themselves.

    In celebration of the opening, there will be a series of activities and programs throughout the day including:

    • Life-size DJI Phantom and Osmo mascots will kickstart the day’s celebration with a street parade around the Causeway Bay area.
    • An outdoor flight cage and Virtual Reality experience zone will be set up just outside the World Trade Center for people who want to experience the thrill of being in the pilot’s seat.
    • For those who want to play the role of movie director, they can pick up an Osmo (a stabilized 4K handheld camera) to capture all the excitement and happenings in and around the neighborhood.
    • Workshops by aerial photographers, dance and music performances by local bands leading into the early evening.
    • Those who wish to tune in to the opening day activities remotely can watch the live stream at https://live.dji.com/hkstore/or join the Official DJI Hong Kong Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/DJIHKOfficial/.

    The DJI Hong Kong flagship store will open its doors to customers at 12 noon and the first 200 customers can enjoy a discount of up to 30% on selected DJI products purchased at the flagship store on opening day.

    “Whether you are a professional interested in the latest aerial-imaging equipment or just looking for your first drone, we welcome everyone to come and learn, discover the joys of flying and share your experience to inspire others,” said Frank Wang, DJI Founder & CEO. “We want to provide a truly unique experience for anyone who walks into our store and leave with a sense of curiosity, excitement or inspiration. We hope our technology can provide a new perspective and allow us to see the world differently.”

    On display and for sale will be DJI’s consumer products, including the latest Phantom 4 drone and Osmo Mobile stabilized handheld gimbal, as well as professional products, including the Inspire 1 and Matrice drone series, the Zenmuse Z3, X5R, and XT cameras, and the Ronin handheld three-axis camera gimbal line.

    The Hong Kong flagship store is DJI’s third foray into retail after the December 2015 opening of its first flagship store inShenzhen, China, followed by the Seoul, Korea flagship in March 2016. More than just a retail outlet, the Hong Kong flagship store will provide a location where the worldwide community can connect to share their experience of flight and discover the latest UAV products and aerial cameras.

    The Hong Kong flagship store is located at TOWER 535, Shop G07, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Opening hours of the store are Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 22:00 and for after-sales service, Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 19:00.

    *The Hong Kong flagship store technical support center and online booking system will official open after the grand opening weekend on September 26, 2016 at 10:00. To make an appointment for repair or technical consultation, customers can visit https://www.dji.com/zh-tw/service/repair/reserve. For general after-sales inquiry, customers can call +852 3189 8979 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.