The FLIR One is a thermal camera that attaches to Android or iOS devices, combining a thermal image with the phone’s visible camera image. Users can take video, photos and time-lapses that capture the thermal spectrum as easily as using the camera’s phone. It’s handy for search and rescue, personal security, or just giggling as you watch the dog leave hot, glowing lumps in your neighbor’s yard.
These were shown last week at the Consumer Electronics Show and will appear in Las Vegas this week at FLIR’s SHOT Show booth. The new units can be used on a variety of smartphones. Instead of being housed in a dedicated-model case like the Gen-1 FLIR One, the Gen-2 clips to the bottom of the phone, attaching to the Apple Lightning port or Micro USB. It will be compatible with Nexus 6, Samsung Galaxy S5, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, among others. It still has its own battery, so it won’t run down the phone’s battery while using the thermal camera.
The FLIR One Gen-2 features a more powerful Lepton thermal sensor with four times the resolution of the earlier model for crisper and clearer thermal images. It now features automatic tuning that no longer requires the user to periodically reset and tune the thermal sensor manually for an optimal picture. Since it’s no longer a dedicated case, it’s only a third of the weight of the original at 2.75 ounces.
Price was not available at press time. Availability is being quoted as “mid-year” both from major retailers as well as online directly from FLIR. You may sign up for pre-order info at www.flir.com/flirone2015.
FLIR is in SHOT Show Booths 6507 and 2014.
