FLIR finally releases the new and improved FLIR One for $250!!  The new FLIR One has an automatic calibration shutter and now works with ios and android!  This is a much better form factor over the original FLIR One but in my opinion is still limited by the inherent low 80X60 resolution of the Lepton camera.  The Seek uses a Raytheon EXC001 Microbolometer with 206X156 resolution which is 6 times the resolution of the Lepton!!  As far as specs go the Seek is better on paper than the FLIR One but the FLIR One's app software is very stable and user friendly.  

FLIR:  http://www.flir.com/flirone/

SEEK:  http://www.thermal.com/

GoPro Hero 4 Session:  $399

GoPro just released the Hero 4 Session!!!  Nice looking camera but now we have to redesign all of our gimbals.  The size and weight savings along with the symmetry could prove beneficial to drone applications?!?  Its also water resistant without a case!!  But it looks a lot like the Polaroid Cube??

Gopro:  http://shop.gopro.com/hero4/hero4-session/CHDHS-101.html

WSJ Session Review:  http://www.wsj.com/articles/gopro-shrinks-the-camera-again-hero4-session-review-1436187558?mod=LS1

Polaroid Cube:  http://www.polaroid.com/cube

Google has slashed the price of Google Earth Pro from $399 to FREE!!  Google Earth Pro only offers a few more benefits over the standard Google Earth but hey its FREE!!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2476149,00.asp

Even Santa Claus is exploring drone based package delivery!!  

A spokesman for the Claus Corporation said on Saturday that they had successfully completed phase 1 of their drone delivery system project "now that the prof of concept phase is complete Claus Corp is looking forward to entering the autonomous guidance system development phase".  "These are exciting times to be working for such a spirited and jolly company,” said an unusually short employee.

Claus Corp is fighting tooth and nail to gain the competitive edge against industry giant Amazon, who several months ago made public there drone delivery program.  "Innovation is the key to success,” said Santa Claus the CEO of Claus Corp at a press conference last January.

Hey guys i have been keeping an eye on the thermal imaging market trends.  Recently FLIR launched their new thermal imaging camera for the iphone 5!!  Thermal cameras traditionally sell for thousands of dollars for even an entry level unit but with the introduction of the FLIR ONE thermal camera these prices are being challenged.  The FLIR ONE is designed for the iphone 5 and retails for $350.  Well now FLIR has some competition!!  Seek thermal has just launched (9/25/2014) there thermal imaging camera for android and iphone which will retail for $200.  Some specs  of each below.....

FLIR ONE:  http://www.flir.com/flirone/

• Fits iphone 5 and 5s only (it is designed to mount to a supplied i phone cover)
• Thermal image resolution???? (uses their Lepton thermal camera)
• Uses FLIR's thermal mixing (basically its the thermal image with a visible light image overlay to better outline the actual image)

Seek Thermal:  http://thermal.com/index.html

• Available with either a standard iphone connector or with a micro USB connector (see their website for compatibility)
• Thermal image resolution:  206 x 156 Array (uses the Vanadium Oxide Micro Bolometer)
• 32136 pixels
• No thermal mixing as in the FLIR ONE 

Seek Press Release:  http://thermal.com/img/press-assets/release/seek_thermal_pr_9-25-24.pdf