Am I the only one who thinks all DJI drones above the Mini line should have a built-in speaker? Even a tiny, low-cost speaker would be enough for emergencies!
DJI should also add a microphone in the controller so you can talk through the drone if it makes a forced landing or if someone else finds it first.
Why This Feature Is Important
Imagine your drone lands on private property due to an emergency. Instead of the owner smashing it on sight, a pre-recorded voice message could play, explaining the situation and that you’re on the way to retrieve it. That little reassurance could save your drone!
This is such a simple but useful feature that DJI should implement. It might even be possible to add via a software update if the beeping speaker in the drone can be repurposed to play audio, using your phone’s microphone.
Sloane said:
Just put your phone number on the drone. ‘If found, call xxx-xxx-xxxx for a reward.’ Much simpler.
By the time they see the number, it could already be smashed. Some people get upset when something lands on their private property. If the speaker can quickly explain that you’re sorry and it was an emergency, you have a better chance of getting it back.
It wouldn’t even be expensive to add. You could have a pre-recorded message instead of a live microphone. At most, it would cost a few extra bucks.
@Farley
I don’t think people will smash a drone without checking first. If they find it, they’ll probably call to either claim a reward or figure out why it’s there.
There is a 0.0% chance DJI will add a prerecorded message feature—it’s a waste of money and space. Your drone crashed; what more explanation is needed? When they call, just say, ‘Hey, my drone crashed, sorry.’
I get where you’re coming from, and I appreciate the idea.
But in the US, if your drone lands on private property, broadcasting that you’re coming to retrieve it might not be the best move. If someone is angry enough to smash a drone, imagine how they’d react if it started talking about you showing up uninvited.
As others suggested, just put your phone number on it. If they’re reasonable, they won’t smash it—they’ll call and let you retrieve it. That’s much better than dealing with the police or worse.
Also, this would be abused so much. People would use it for advertising, annoying crowds at concerts, fairs, and parks. Drones are already loud enough—no need to add a talking feature.
@Harlan
I get your point. But the kind of speaker I’m talking about wouldn’t be heard over the motors. It would only work when the drone is landed and turned off—basically just for short-range communication, like within 5 meters.
DJI already has a search-and-rescue drone with a large speaker, but that’s completely different from what I’m suggesting. This would be a tiny speaker just for emergencies.