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This Ridiculously Tiny FPV Drone with a DJI 1080p Camera Is Lighter Than Your AirPods Case

Blink and you’ll miss it: the Pavo Femto doesn’t just earn its “Femto” moniker, it practically defines it. BETAFPV’s latest whoop is so small that you could park it on a coffee mug and still have room for a donut. Sitting in the palm of your hand, the 75mm frame is almost laughable in scale compared to something like the DJI Avata or even its own older sibling, the Pavo Pico. Yet, what unfolds in this miniscule package is a feat of micro engineering, tightly wrapping up big-boy features in something featherweight enough to make the FAA look the other way. No registration, no complicated paperwork, no bureaucratic gatekeeping; it’s squarely under 250 grams, even after you strap on a battery and a high-def camera.

Tiny but mighty is the running theme here. The Pavo Femto is unapologetically digital, pairing with the DJI O4 Air Unit to serve up 4K/60fps footage while its competitors in the micro class are still fussing with analog snow. The whole package weighs in at about 35 grams dry, which is about the same as a slice of bread (for posterity, the AirPods 4 case weighs about 43.3 grams with the Airpods included). That’s wild, especially considering the thrust-to-weight ratio clocks in at 6.75:1. You get punchy acceleration and tight, reliable handling whether you’re threading the living room or taking it for a rip outside in breezy alleyways. It’s the kind of drone that shrugs off its size, flying like something twice its mass but never overstaying its welcome in the air.

Designer: BETAFPV

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What’s fascinating here is how BETAFPV managed to cram serious video capability into something that’s essentially the size of a large cookie. We’re talking about a complete departure from the “tiny whoop equals potato quality” paradigm that dominated this category for years. The Femto represents a convergence point where miniaturization technology finally caught up with our expectations for image quality, and frankly, it’s about time.

The brain behind this is the DJI O4 Air Unit, a distinct module from DJI, not merely a camera sensor integrated onto the flight board. The O4 Air Unit is a fully fledged digital video transmission system, miniaturized and engineered to fit snugly within the Femto’s compact frame. BETAFPV designed the drone around this specific unit (which apparently you can buy too), ensuring optimal airflow and vibration isolation for the O4’s sensitive components. This dedicated integration means pilots get the full benefit of DJI’s cutting-edge transmission tech, delivering incredibly low latency video feed directly to their goggles, alongside that crisp 4K/60fps recording capability. It’s a significant leap for micro drones, pushing visual fidelity far beyond what was previously thought possible in such a small package.

Flying something this small with brushless motors feels like cheating physics. The LAVA 1102 14000KV motors deliver a thrust-to-weight ratio of 6.75:1, which translates to snappy acceleration and surprisingly robust outdoor performance for something that could fit in your shirt pocket. Compare this to DJI’s Mini series, which hovers around 4:1, and you start to understand why the Femto feels so alive in the air. The 40mm props might look comically small, but they’re perfectly matched to the motor characteristics, creating an efficiency sweet spot that delivers 4-5 minutes of flight time on a 2S 450mAh battery. That’s actually competitive with larger whoops that weigh twice as much.

BETAFPV learned from years of jello-plagued footage that you can’t just strap a camera to a tiny drone and expect cinematic results. The O4 Air Unit sits on shock-absorbing mounts that filter out the high-frequency vibrations that typically plague micro drones. Side-by-side comparisons with earlier whoops show dramatically cleaner footage, especially during aggressive maneuvers. The difference is immediately obvious to anyone who’s tried to edit shaky micro drone footage.

Previously, you chose between size and video quality. The Femto eliminates that compromise by building the entire platform around DJI’s digital video system from day one. The latency is virtually imperceptible, the range easily covers typical indoor and backyard flying, and the 4K recording quality genuinely rivals what you’d get from much larger platforms. This isn’t upscaled 1080p or heavily processed footage, it’s legitimate 4K that holds up on large displays.

Battery life remains the limiting factor, as it always does with micro platforms. Five minutes feels generous until you’re actually flying, then it feels like you just got warmed up when the low voltage alarm starts chirping. The 2S power system strikes a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency, though I suspect some pilots will wish for 3S capability for even more aggressive flying. The trade-off is weight and complexity, and BETAFPV clearly prioritized keeping things simple and light.

At under 250 grams, this thing opens up shooting opportunities that simply weren’t possible before without regulatory headaches. Indoor real estate tours, tight architectural details, following subjects through narrow spaces, all without the paperwork and restrictions that come with heavier platforms. The Pavo Femto costs around $125.99 for the basic kit, which positions it as serious value considering the video capabilities you’re getting in such a compact package.

For those who relish the satisfaction of a build, the Pavo Femto arrives as a Plug-N-Play kit, inviting you to put the finishing touches on this micro marvel yourself. It’s not a fully assembled, ready-to-fly drone you just unbox and launch; instead, BETAFPV provides the core airframe, motors, and flight controller, leaving the crucial DJI O4 Air Unit and your preferred receiver for you to install. This approach caters perfectly to the FPV enthusiast who enjoys the process of understanding their machine from the inside out, or who already possesses a DJI O4 unit from a previous build. You’ll spend a satisfying hour or so meticulously mounting the O4 camera, connecting its delicate wires, and slotting in the shock-absorbing grommets – a task that might test your patience but ultimately deepens your connection to the drone. This hands-on assembly ensures modularity, allowing for easier repairs and upgrades down the line, a true blessing in the often-crashed world of FPV.

Key Specifications: BETAFPV Pavo Femto Brushless Whoop Quadcopter

Price: $125.99 USD
Dry weight: approximately 35 grams (without battery or DJI O4 unit)
75mm wheelbase (ultra-compact micro whoop class)
LAVA 1102 14000KV brushless motors (4x)
40mm 3-blade propellers (Gemfan 1611 series)
2S LiPo battery support (recommended 450–550mAh, not included)
DJI O4 Air Unit compatibility (4K/60fps recording, ultra-low latency digital video)
BETAFPV F4 2-3S 20A AIO flight controller
Onboard Serial ELRS 2.4GHz receiver support (PNP kit, receiver not included)
Integrated shock-absorbing camera mount for vibration isolation
Ducted frame for propeller protection and efficiency boost
Hover time: about 4–6 minutes depending on battery size and flying style
No FAA registration required (well under 250g with battery and camera)
Modular Plug-N-Play kit (requires assembly and installation of receiver and camera)

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DIY Handheld AI Chatbot runs on a Raspberry Pi 2 Zero, and costs around $120 to make

It’s 2025 and the most seamless way to interact with an AI is still your smartphone – and that’s shameful. The AI chatbot hasn’t managed to break through the walls of your phone into something a little more independent. It’s still hopelessly tethered to your mobile, which also calls, messages, accesses YouTube, TikTok, and Gmail… and that fundamentally just feels like the AI doesn’t get the attention it deserves. We’ve seen companies like Humane and Rabbit try desperately to give AI its own dedicated device – and fail rather spectacularly; they promised revolutionary AI interaction but often delivered tethered experiences, questionable functionality, and (sometimes) recurring subscription fees that felt more like a digital leash than true liberation. These devices often left us wanting more, or simply wanting our money back, proving that a slick marketing campaign does not always equate to a functional, user-centric product.

This is precisely why the Whisplay AI Chatbot, a unique DIY build centered around the humble Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, feels like a breath of fresh air. It is a tangible rebuttal to the closed-off, subscription-heavy world of commercial AI gadgets. This project offers something profoundly different: the satisfaction of building a capable, pocket-sized AI assistant with your own hands. It offers a path to genuine ownership, allowing you to understand its inner workings and even customize its behavior, moving beyond the black box approach of proprietary tech.

Designer: Jdaie

The core of this fascinating build starts with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, a truly tiny yet surprisingly capable computer, acting as the brain of the operation. This little powerhouse, often available for around $15, provides the processing muscle needed for a responsive AI experience. It is a testament to the power of compact computing, fitting a quad-core processor and wireless connectivity into a form factor smaller than a credit card. The Pi Zero 2W proves that you do not need a desktop-sized machine to handle impressive AI tasks.

Layered directly onto the Pi Zero 2W is the Whisplay HAT, the real star of the show, which is still in active development. This custom Hardware Attached on Top board integrates all the essential human-machine interface elements. It features a crisp 1.69-inch LCD screen for visual feedback, a WM8960 audio chip with an onboard speaker and microphone for seamless voice interaction, and even RGB LEDs for status indicators and a GPIO button to activate the chatbot. This HAT neatly consolidates what would otherwise be a tangle of wires and separate components into a single, elegant solution, making the assembly process far more streamlined for the average maker.

Powering this portable conversationalist is the PiSugar 3 module, a clever addition that provides a 1200mAh battery and uninterruptible power supply functionality. This ensures the Whisplay AI Chatbot remains operational even when unplugged, truly embodying the pocket-sized ideal. The entire assembly then nestles snugly within a custom 3D resin-printed enclosure, giving it a polished, professional look that belies its DIY origins. The enclosure design is crucial for protecting the delicate electronics and making the device genuinely portable, allowing it to slip into a pocket or bag without a second thought.

When it comes to the AI itself, the Whisplay chatbot leverages some seriously smart open-source tech. For converting your spoken words into text, it taps into OpenAI’s Whisper model, an automatic speech recognition system renowned for its accuracy and ability to handle various accents and background noise. This robust speech-to-text capability is fundamental to any voice-activated assistant, ensuring your commands are understood clearly. The project’s open-source nature means you can explore the code, understand how it works, and even tweak it to your specific needs, fostering a deeper connection with your device.

For the actual conversational responses, the project typically utilizes cloud-based large language models accessed via APIs. However, the beauty of this open-source, DIY approach is the inherent flexibility it offers. Unlike commercial products that lock you into their ecosystem, the Whisplay allows for potential future integration with smaller, locally runnable LLMs, or even custom configurations that prioritize data privacy. This means you can potentially keep your conversations off third-party servers, a significant advantage for those concerned about data ownership and privacy. It is a stark contrast to devices that force you into a walled garden, offering true control over your digital interactions.

The total cost to build one of these intelligent companions is remarkably accessible, especially when compared to the price tags of commercial AI devices that often fall short. With the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W at around $15, the PiSugar 3 battery module at approximately $40, and an estimated $30-50 for the Whisplay HAT once it is commercially available, plus another $10-20 for a 3D-printed enclosure and a few dollars for miscellaneous parts, you are looking at a grand total of roughly $100-130. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to dive into personal AI, proving that cutting-edge technology does not have to break the bank or come with hidden subscription fees.

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This electric bike autonomously raises up to perform wheelies, zero skills required

Performing wheelies is not everyone’s cup of cake, even though they look freakin cool. It takes a lot of practice, swollen muscles, broken bones, and truckloads of patience to get the act together. It’s a ballet of striking the right balance and precise power delivery that gets tougher with powerful machines, or ones that weigh a whole lot.

If you always thought of impressing the crowd with your wheelie skills, but never dared to go through the tough part of perfecting the skill, this mini electric bike is for you. With the push of a button, the two-wheeler automatically positions itself in a wheelie stance without any skillful input from the rider. Called the Wheelie Fun Bike V1, the modular electric pit ride raises to a preset angle and maintains that position.

Designer: Wheelie Fun Bike

The bike created for urban junkies and the younger generation is the perfect way to enjoy the thrill of a wheelie without actually putting in any effort. This is one of the modes of the bike, which they call Push to Wheelie, wherein you press a button on the handlebar and the bike does the rest. Leaning forward increases the speed while leaning back reduces the speed of the bike. While doing all this, the onboard sensors ensure the two-wheeler stays where it is meant to without flipping or tipping over.

The other, more advanced mode is the Digital Wheelie Bar. This is tailored for users who want a semi-automatic wheelie experience to tame their skills. The mode is ideal for riders who have started their wheelie journey. To lift the wheels, one has to push the throttle, and the electronic stabilization keeps the bike balanced. For better testing of your skills, the anti-loop feature helps prevent any abrupt rotation. The saddle of the bike is designed to support the rider’s body when the wheelie mode is on.

For motorheads who like to tune things, there is a companion app where you can control the bike’s systems. It is very easy to tune the behaviour of the throttle, brakes, wheelie angle, sensitivity of the anti-loop, and other parameters defining the riding physics. Other than that, the app has a dashboard where live data, speed, power levels and crucial alerts can be tracked. The rider can adjust modes of the two-wheeler to get the desired power delivery, range and comfort level while riding. To make things interesting, the app comes with connected social features that help you track your performance against your friends. Things like the longest wheelie performed, the top speed achieved while in a semi-autonomous wheelie mode, and more.

The buck doesn’t stop there, as the EV has a modular design for easy upgradability. You can change or replace parts like lights, batteries, or the seating without much fuss. On the technical front, the bike has a range of around 30 miles, which can be extended with an optional battery pack. Just for the record, the wheelie button performance can be done at a top speed of over 35 miles per hour, which is impressive. The machine can deliver a peak power of 5,000 watts courtesy of a six-inch high-torque hub motor. The Wheelie Fun Bike V1 is slated for shipping in January 2026, with no word yet on the pricing or the pre-order window.

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Audi Transforms Road Trips with AirConsole Gaming Integration

Automakers keep trying to make cars more entertaining, but most attempts feel forced or gimmicky. Audi’s new AirConsole integration actually makes sense though. The German brand partnered with the gaming platform to turn smartphones into wireless controllers and MMI displays into gaming screens for passengers. I’ve watched plenty of automotive tech launches over the years, and this one feels different because it solves real problems people face during long drives, charging stops, and traffic delays. The system works across select 2025 models including the A5, Q5, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron families.

Designer: Audi

The setup is dead simple. Passengers download AirConsole from the Audi Application Store, scan a QR code on the MMI screen, and their phones become controllers immediately. No extra hardware, no complicated menus, no compatibility issues.

Safety Features That Actually Make Sense

Audi built in smart safety considerations that show they understand how distracting screens can be for drivers. The Dynamic Privacy mode uses shutter technology to hide game content from the driver’s view while the car is moving.

The setup varies by model. Standard vehicles use the central MMI touch display for gaming, while models with the MMI passenger display offer a more immersive experience. Both work well, but the passenger display feels more natural for longer gaming sessions.

Technical requirements stay straightforward. You need a myAudi account, active Audi connect PLUS subscription, cellular connectivity, and a compatible smartphone. The cellular requirement makes sense because games need data to function properly.

Each game includes its own optimized controller layout that adapts to your smartphone screen. This matters because generic controller interfaces often feel clunky. AirConsole customizes the controls for each game, making the experience feel polished.

Game Selection Balances Familiar and Fresh

The current library includes recognizable names alongside automotive-specific titles. Mattel’s UNO Car Party and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire bring familiar gameplay into the vehicle space. Passengers already understand the rules and can jump in quickly.

Single-player options like Snowboard Buddies and GoKart Go cater to solo passengers. I appreciate this variety because different trips call for different entertainment approaches.

Pictionary Car Party stands out as an exclusive Mattel collaboration developed specifically for automotive use. It remains available only to Audi passengers through the end of 2025, giving buyers something they cannot get elsewhere.

Additional titles include Overcooked, Golazo, and Sky Stackers, covering party games, skill challenges, and casual entertainment. AirConsole regularly adds new content, addressing a major weakness in automotive entertainment systems that launch strong but become stale.

These games work alongside the broader Audi Application Store that includes Spotify, YouTube, and DAZN. The integrated approach creates comprehensive entertainment rather than isolated gaming that feels tacked on.

Content management stays under N-Dream AG’s control, allowing rapid updates but meaning Audi cannot guarantee specific titles will remain available indefinitely.

Where This Gaming Setup Really Shines

School pickup lines become opportunities for quick multiplayer sessions instead of boring waits. Charging stops for e-tron models turn from necessary inconveniences into quality time with passengers.

I can see families finding real value during unexpected traffic delays or while waiting for appointments. The games provide mental engagement without requiring passengers to stare at individual phone screens in isolation.

Business travelers might appreciate single-player options during extended parking or while waiting for meetings. The games offer mental breaks without requiring constant internet connectivity beyond initial setup.

The smartphone controller approach eliminates hygiene concerns with shared physical controllers. Each passenger uses their own device while participating in group activities.

Technical Foundation and What Comes Next

AirConsole integration applies specifically to PPC and PPE architecture models, suggesting Audi designed gaming functionality from the ground up rather than retrofitting existing systems.

Cellular service requirements ensure consistent performance but create ongoing connectivity costs. The Audi connect PLUS package helps offset data usage concerns through included Wi-Fi.

The myAudi account requirement integrates gaming into Audi’s broader digital ecosystem. Most luxury car buyers already expect this level of digital integration.

This AirConsole partnership feels like a foundation for more advanced automotive entertainment features. The smartphone controller concept could expand beyond gaming into productivity applications or enhanced navigation features.

The system shows a mature approach to in-car entertainment that acknowledges how people actually use technology during travel. Instead of trying to reinvent mobile gaming, Audi leveraged existing platforms and made them work better in automotive environments.

The post Audi Transforms Road Trips with AirConsole Gaming Integration first appeared on Yanko Design.

YouTuber creates Ultimate SEGA Game Gear: Humble handheld revived with HD screen and USB-C port

The SEGA Game Gear may not have reached the same level of popularity as the Nintendo Game Boy, but since its release in 1990, it has been a favorite among modders and retro collectors. The modding community has had a strong desire to see the Game Gear do more than its intrinsic capabilities. And one of the most passionate enthusiasts amid them is Tito Perez, the creator of the YouTube channel, Macho Nacho Productions.

Tito has worked on several Game Gear mods in the past, but this one, where he has been able to provide a new-age charging system, better audio output, and a finer screen to relish the gameplay, might be his most impressive and intriguing modification of the handheld yet. Dubbed the Ultimate SEGA Game Gear, it gives the portable console another chance in the spotlight almost 35 years after its launch.

Designer: Macho Nacho Productions

For this, the SEGA Game Gear has been retrofitted with a new motherboard, which is connected to stereo speakers, USB-C charging, an HD screen, and an HDMI port within a specially created shell that’s very 2025, as the Game Gear innards themselves. The refreshed classic started with the picking of some integral components – CPU or ASIC chip, link port, and cartridge reader – from the original motherboard brought off of eBay. These components were then soldered onto a brand-new board, specially designed by SYF.

The SYF motherboard provided a power slot for USB-C charging. This allowed Tito to solve the problem of finding new AA batteries for the handheld in the middle of an immersive game. The custom board also ensures placement of dual aftermarket speakers for stereo sound, and the SYF GGFM, which features an authentic FM chip from Yamaha to enhance sound when playing compatible Master System games on the retrofitted Game Gear.

The USB-C charging port can power the two rechargeable batteries – 2,000mAh each – while the LED light indicator highlights charging and charged status in yellow and green colors, respectively. The real fun on the Ultimate Game Gear is the upgrade of the screen from an 8-bit, 3.2-inch backlit LCD with 160 x 144 pixels resolution to a 640 x 480 IPS LCD screen and support for HDMI output, possible with the BennVenn GGHD LCD kit from High Score Tech Supply.

These innards are encased inside a customized, matte gray shell by Retro Gear. Tito informs, if you’re attempting the Game Gear modification, you can get a shell tailored by Andrew of Retro Gear. He also adds, the modification is not a cheap rip-off; Macho Nacho has spent roughly $303 for this rig, and if you attempt it, you’re looking at an even steeper tag.

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Tip Chair is a modernist piece that meets iconic ski style

The Tip Chair by Kikang Kim is a brilliant new take on modern furniture, blending industrial sensibility with a playful nod to classic ski design. With its striking geometric form and visible structure, this chair captures the spirit of industrial modernism while offering a fresh, functional presence for contemporary interiors.

The story behind the Tip Chair starts with the inspirations of 20th-century designers who believed in “structural honesty.” This means the chair’s construction is proudly on display, with exposed bolts and sleek lines celebrating its sturdy steel frame. But what truly sets the Tip Chair apart is where its creative spark comes from: the world of skiing. The base of the chair is modeled after the tip of a ski, with a subtle upward curve and a stance that looks ready to glide across the floor. This playful detail is not just for style—it also gives the chair a sense of motion and energy, as if it’s about to push off down a snowy slope.

Designer: Kikang Kim

Kim’s design is all about function, comfort, and clarity. The seat and backrest are padded and covered in rich leather or fabric, providing ergonomic support without fuss. The frame is made from industrial materials, finished in a variety of colors to suit any taste. Whether you choose a classic black, a bold red, or a modern tan, the Tip Chair fits easily into both minimalist and eclectic spaces. Its clean lines and balanced proportions mean it works just as well in a living room as it does in an office or creative studio.

Looking closely at the details, you’ll notice that every part has a purpose. The feet are wide and flat for stability. The seat and backrest are set at an angle that encourages relaxation. Even the bolts and brackets are visible, a subtle reminder of the chair’s industrial roots. This is furniture that doesn’t hide how it’s made. Instead, it celebrates the beauty of construction by making every joint and curve a design feature.

The Tip Chair is also versatile in its presentation. Kim’s concept posters and technical drawings evoke the spirit of vintage industrial graphics, using bold lines, functional diagrams, and minimalist fonts. These visuals communicate the chair’s design ethos while making it easy for anyone to appreciate the thought and care that went into every detail. The chair’s compact footprint, measuring just under a meter tall and less than a meter deep, means it fits comfortably in small living areas or communal spaces.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and functional accent piece, the Tip Chair is a conversation starter. It brings together nostalgia for classic modernism, the thrill of ski culture, and the demands of today’s interiors. If you’re ready to add a piece that stands out for its originality and honesty, the Tip Chair by Kikang Kim is a perfect choice.

The post Tip Chair is a modernist piece that meets iconic ski style first appeared on Yanko Design.