On Tuesday, Sony Group Corporation announced discontinuing the Airpeak S1 pro photography drone and other associated products.
As revealed by the company, its $9,000.00 device will phase out in 2025. At the same time, the gimbal, battery charger, and remote control are set to become unavailable by next year.
In line with this, consumers can still purchase replacement batteries and propellers until March 2026. Similarly, Sony offers inspections, repairs, software maintenance, and other support for the next six years.
Based on reports, the Airpeak went through a tough time since its launch four years ago. The media even described it as a flop, citing the corporation’s confusing and inconsistent drone strategy.
Additionally, the gadget struggled to perform well and penetrate the market dominated by SZ DJI Technology. In connection, a steep price and slow release of more features impacted the situation.
When announced in 2021, Airpeak promised to offer features such as a top speed of 55.90 mph and flight times of up to 12 minutes. It was also said to be capable of maintaining stable flight in winds of up to 44.70 mph.
However, the drone from Sony failed to win over the Chinese competitor and received poor reviews.
China to See Creative Sector Plans from Sony
The creative entertainment industry in China sees big plans from Sony through technological innovation. In addition, it supports Chinese content creators, aiming to provide full play of their expertise.
The Tokyo-based company targets satisfying the increasing demand for high-quality entertainment experiences of consumers in the country.
According to Sony China President Takeshi Yoshida, they are committed to long-term growth and cultivated the Chinese market for years. He emphasized that the group will utilize its strengths in technology, content, and services to support content creators.
Furthermore, Vice President Takehito Soeda sees significant possibilities in the integration of technology with entertainment.
