DJI, known for its drones and other devices, is releasing a new firmware update for its Osmo Mobile 6 and Osmo Mobile SE gimbals, allowing users to control them with just an Apple Watch.
According to the release notes, the smartwatch will have access to various features such as viewing the camera feed, changing the direction of the gimbal, adjusting the composition, and switching between portrait and landscape mode. Once you have finished shooting, “the captured photo or the first frame of the video” will appear on the watch face.
To use the feature, you need an iPhone and one of six supported Apple Watch models, such as the Series 9. The full list of devices can be seen on DJI's FAQ page. There are no restrictions for iPhone models, although they require iOS 16 or later. Likewise, Apple Watches must have watchOS 9 or later on board.
Assuming you have the right hardware, the next step is to update the DJI Mimo app to version 2.0.4. Once the firmware has finished installing, connect your Apple Watch to your iPhone and then open the Mimo app on both devices.
Remote operation
The FAQ offers some tips and things to keep in mind when using the remote control feature.
Apple Watches have restrictive “streaming video bandwidth,” meaning the video stream you see on the watch face may look worse than the recording from the connected camera. This quality may vary between models, but DJI says there is no need to worry because the resolution of the final video will not be affected.
It is possible to operate the gimbals remotely. The company recommends being in an open area with no obstacles in the way and having devices within eight meters (about 26 feet) of each other. DJI also suggests not using other Bluetooth devices or the DJI Microphone 2 along with an Apple Watch. Due to the way Bluetooth connections work on Apple hardware, you may experience interruptions.
If you're going to use something like the Mic 2, the company suggests connecting it to the rest of your setup “via the included cell phone adapter.”
Other updates
The update includes more things beyond the remote control function, as DJI is optimizing two other functions. ActiveTrack will work better than before, “providing more stable subject tracking and a smoother shooting experience.” The AI editor for parent and child mode is undergoing a similar update. Recordings “can be edited and automatically generated” in the Mimo app.
Be sure to keep an eye on the patch as it rolls out, as DJI notes that if the update fails, they recommend restarting the gimbal, restarting the app, and resetting your smartphone's Bluetooth connection. Install the patch again once you have completed these steps.
It's unknown if DJI plans to expand the remote control option to other gimbals like the OM 5. We've reached out for more information. We will update this story if we receive a response.
Until then, check out TechRadar's list of the best Apple Watches for 2024.
