One thing that is often overlooked, which is sad as it is very important, is the issue of updates.
Here is a scenario to explain what I mean.
I own a number of drones, all DJI models. These include a NEO 2, Flip, AVATA 360 and MAVIC 4 Pro. I also have a number of cameras (as you’d expect).
Let’s just look at the drones for the moment, apart from the NEO which uses a smartphone as a view port when plugged into the basic controller, all the others use a controller with a built-in screen.
Now DJI – and this is not an advertorial – is very proactive in its updating and upgrading programs. I have known of instances where the DJI Studio software to edit 360° footage has had a number of updates in a single day!
Whilst the updates for the drones (and controllers) are not that often, they are regular as issues are found as well as updates and features added.
The problem is the only way to know there are any updates is to fire the beasties up and get the notifications through the controller’s or smartphone’s DJI Fly software.
Sometimes these are minimal and fix stuff internally we actually don’t know about, but in other cases they can be quite major. A recent one for example apparently fixes a bug in the drone’s Bluetooth communication that *could* be exploited so the experts say.
In what way I am not sure, but the word “exploited” is enough to suggest it wouldn’t be in a friendly way.
The process is actually quite straightforward. Simply turn on the drone and its controller (or DJI Fly in your smartphone if that is your control method) and you’ll be prompted to update. Often, you’ll be asked to login to you DJI account too which is always a good idea and stops DJI geo-locking you on occasion to minimal flight heights and distances.
Depending on your internet connection, an update takes around 15 minutes during which the drone and controller will turn on and off a few times. It is imperative NOT to interfere until the update(s) are complete.
Cameras, 3D Printers and even your Laptop and Desktop
Anything that has processor in it will be subject to upgrades at some time or another, and as per the drones, these are usually to fix a found bug, patch a security hole or of course, add some extra functionality.
I have forced myself on a weekly basis to do a sort of housekeeping of all my stuff so that all devices and software are continually up to date. It doesn’t take too long and is worth it to make sure your gear is always in tippy top condition.
I akin it to the old British 50’s and 60s “pottering around the garden shed on a Saturday arvo” scenario.
Tip: A nice piece of freeware (with a paid upgrade if you wish) is called Wisecare 365. Running this once a week removes all the dead wood left behind by browsers, clears up caches, removes stuff no longer needed in the registry and lets you speed up the startup process among other things. I have used it for 10 years + now and find it invaluable. I am sure there is a Mac equivalent somewhere.
