Insta360 has announced its first gimbal and selfie stick to integrate with Apple DockKit, which lets the Insta360 Flow Pro follow you as you walk around.
No, this is not a semi-autonomous robot on wheels that will track your movements, but the Insta360 Flow Pro will twist and turn to keep you on-screen.
Like the original Flow, the Flow Pro also provides 3-axis stabilization, using motors to compensate for the movement of the person holding the gimbal.
If you’re an Android user, you probably want that original version. But the Flow Pro combines its features with DockKit support.
During WWDC 2023, Apple demo’d how DockKit could be used with a motorized phone stand to follow a person around the room.
“All the magic apps in the application and the system services in the iPhone itself. Due to the motor control and subject tracking being handled at system level, any app that uses the iOS camera APIs can take advantage of DockKit,” said Onur Tackin, Apple Engineering Manager.
Instagram, YouTube, Zoom and WhatsApp are among the many apps supported.
The Insta360 Flow Pro will connect to your iPhone wirelessly, and can be paired using NFC.
It functions on multiple fronts. The Insta360 Flow Pro can be used as a tripod, with feet that reach of its base. It’s telescopic, and can extends by up to 215mm for selfies and vlog shooting.
A 2900mAh battery is on-board to power the motors, and this can also be used as a power bank. Insta360 says the battery will last for up to 10 hours when used to power the motors.
The phone plate uses a MagSafe phone mount, and Insta360 says the Flow Pro will fit in some pockets when fully folded up.
Despite being largely made for iPhone users, the Insta360 Flow Pro will work with Androids too. You just won’t get the benefits of DockKit, which unlocks tracking functionality in loads of apps beyond Insta360’s own.
This newer gimbal also has “infinite pan” tracking, meaning it can rotate horizontally as much as you like. No hard stop.
The Insta360 Flow Pro is available now, and costs $149.