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QuickTake: Can Kespry Overcome Its Brand Challenge?

By Colin Snow | July 7, 2016

Its enterprise drone is fit for construction, mining, and insurance companies, but the question is whether companies already catering to those audiences and adding drone capabilities will win out over this well-funded newcomer. THE FACTS: In June 2016, drone manufacturer Kespry announced the close of a $16 million Series B equity financing round.  It included … Read more

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The Truth about Drones in Construction and Inspection

By Colin Snow | July 6, 2016

We just released a new research study titled “The Truth about Drones in Construction and Infrastructure Inspection.” The free report is the second in series of studies sponsored by BZ Media that looks objectively at each major commercial market for drones and drone technology. In the report, we show how drones have been used successfully … Read more

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The Truth about Drones in Precision Agriculture

By Colin Snow | June 27, 2016

Over the past few years, the press has emphasized how much commercial drones will be used to improve farming. The assumption is that drones provide more accurate data for use in variable rate technology (VRT) so farmers who use drones will experience increased yields.  But truth be told very little has been written about the … Read more

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Market Impact of the FAA Small Drone Rule

By Colin Snow | June 24, 2016

Barriers to entry are lower, but high margin operations are still restricted. THE FACTS: By now you probably know that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally released Part 107, the Small UAS Rule (June 21, 2016), which covers operational use of commercial drones in U.S. airspace. This comes after several years of missed deadlines. You can … Read more

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QuickTake: Hivemapper’s 3D Earth Maps for Drones App

By Colin Snow | June 22, 2016

It’s innovative, but will companies embed it for their mission control? THE FACTS: Last week Hivemapper introduced its 3D earth maps Android app for drones. The preview I received a week earlier was impressive. Hivemapper is a mapping and navigation tool for drone operators to fly more safely and plan missions with awareness of the … Read more

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Insights from New Market Research on Drones Sales

By Colin Snow | April 25, 2016

We just released “Drones in the Channel: 2016 Market Report,” a research study examining drone sales and distribution channels in North America. It’s the first in-depth study of drone sales channels and reveals mixed distribution tactics as well as pinpoints market share of major UAV brands. The report is a result of a three-month project … Read more

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New Survey: What’s Your Drone Purchase Experience Like?

By Colin Snow | February 9, 2016

We just launched a new research survey exploring your drone-buying experiences, where you bought, what seller services matter, and where you intend to buy drones and/or small unmanned aerial systems. As a short 13-question survey, it’s designed for those who have bought or will buy a drone for either hobby, commercial, or public use. You … Read more

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Six Trends Driving the Commercial Drone Market in 2016 and Beyond

By Colin Snow | January 29, 2016

“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” – attributed to Yogi Berra I was recently asked in an interview to discuss four or five trends that I see as major drivers in the commercial drone industry today and what manufacturers and service providers might focus on in the future. That sounds simple enough … Read more

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3 Things Public Safety Officials Should Know About Drones

By Colin Snow | January 11, 2016

By Jonathan Rupprecht, Esq. for Drone Analyst This past year, as I attended many drone conferences, I was struck by how eager public safety officials and first responders are to learn how they can incorporate drones into their operations.  Their curiosity is not without good reason.  Small drones with video and infrared cameras are excellent … Read more

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Commercial Drone Markets: 2015 Year in Review

By Colin Snow | December 8, 2015

What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, I reflected back on the news and trends of the commercial drone markets of 2014 and wrote about the mixed state of affairs in the U.S.  Back then, drones got considerable media hype and you would have thought that drones could do anything from … Read more

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