Agricultural software specialists Drone Ag has announced an Android version of the Skippy Scout mobile app. “This app has been built specifically for Android users with a new interface that is compatible with any device anywhere in the world,” said founder Jack Wrangham.
The Apple iOS platform was launched in 2019 and has seen a user base grow worldwide, with support from both farmers and investors through crowdfunding. The addition of an Android version is said to make the system accessible to a much wider market, as well as increase the capabilities of the software.
“By introducing Android, we have been able to design new features such as creating field boundaries. Android devices are also far cheaper than Apple which will enable more users to access the app at a lower price using existing phones, tablets, or computers,” Mr Wrangham added.
Further functionality includes sharing crop data to other devices, either through a dashboard system or by sharing data directly between devices.
Mr Wrangham emphasises that using the app and a drone is now accessible to all: “Skippy Scout automates drone flight using field maps to navigate a drone to points of interest. Users need not have any experience in flying drones or a license* because Skippy will fly the drone for them.
“Our image analysis takes only minutes after the drone has completed its flight to present high-resolution photographs and crop data such as green area index. This means that users can identify problems with crops such as weeds or pests more quickly by viewing the leaf level images on their phone or tablet.”
Existing users can now add Android devices for free, with new users benefiting from the additional features when they register. Drone owners can sign up online, with monthly subscriptions starting from £50.