Drone cameras allow amateur filmmakers, travelers, and explorers to capture cinematic footage at the touch of a button, and popular drone brand Potensic just lowered the bar on how easy it is to capture such videos thanks to a new launch at CES 2026.
Released in early 2025, the Potensic Atom 2 has established itself as a popular lightweight consumer drone, boasting the ability to capture 8K or 4K HDR video footage while weighing less than 250g. This weight is an important distinction as it classifies the Atom 2 as a mini drone; These have more relaxed flight rules and are much easier for beginners to get comfortable with drone flying.
With a host of AI-powered features such as tracking and automatic camera movements, a competitive flight time of 32 minutes, and the ability to record video from the drone up to 10 kilometers away, the Atom 2 remains a favorite of drone operators. But a new announcement makes using the vehicle in difficult conditions even easier.
Presentation of the PTD-1
This announcement marks the release of the PTD-1, a remote control for the drone with a built-in screen that eliminates the need to use your smartphone to control the Atom 2.
Frequent drone flyers know that controlling a drone with a smartphone comes with some pitfalls. You risk being interrupted by calls and messages, having to go through a lengthy setup process and, most importantly, draining your phone’s battery.
If you’re in a remote location or relying on your mobile device for security reasons, this alone can prevent you from spending extra time getting the shot you really want. You also can’t use your phone to find reference shots, storyboards, or note-taking apps when flying with it.
This isn’t a problem with the Atom 2’s PTD-1 as it replaces your phone to control the drone. For the integrated 1080p screen, the transmission range of 10 km is maintained with a latency of 120 ms.
Thanks to its 6,400mAh battery, it can be used for three hours, which is much longer than you need to fly, and with the 27W fast charging it can recharge the battery to 90% in just one hour and 25 minutes. The handset comes with 32GB of built-in storage, which you can expand if you want to take long drone flights.
While these are useful features, Potensic has added some extras that improve the flying experience for drone pilots. This includes the ability to start with just one hand, rather than two as is the case with many competitors, improving control of the vehicle.
The PTD-1 is now available along with the Atom 2 on Potensic’s website for $479.99 as part of the standard drone kit or for $599.99 in the Fly More Combo, which includes a carrying case, spare batteries, charging station and additional spare propellers.
However, for a limited time, the brand is offering them for $419.99 and $519.99 respectively, allowing you to test out the controller for a cheaper price. Packages with the original controller that the phone requires are still on offer and also benefit from their own discounts.
