DJI Spark Owners Issued Mandatory Firmware Update Or Face A Bricked, Grounded Drone

DJI has announced that it has a new firmware for the Spark drone coming this week, and it will be mandatory for everyone. The update brings with it enhancements for flight safety and performance, and owners who don't install the new firmware update by September 1 won't be able to fly their Spark drone. 

DJI says that the new firmware enhances the battery management system to optimize power supply during flight. The update also brings support for the DJI Goggles to the Spark drone's repertoire. Other tweaks included in the firmware are optimization for the PalmLaunch function that makes the drone more stable after takeoff. QuickShot Dronie mode has more accurate controls and the compatibility of the remote controller is enhanced for syncing up with new firmware updates.

DJI says that the update can be applied to the Spark drone in two ways, the first is to apply it when prompted via the DJI GO 4 App. When connected to the internet, the app will download and install the update for the user. Spark owners can also install the updates via the DJI Assistant 2 desktop software. As for why DJI will ground your drone if you don't apply the update, the company wrote, "DJI decided on the option of a mandatory firmware update in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability which we consider as top priorities."

The last Spark update came early this month and included improvements to video and photo capabilities. That update also added a new gesture start and stop function for video recording and improved QuickShot video features. The DJI Spark launched back in May and is the smallest and least costly drone DJI makes. It sells for $499 and while not affordable, it does pack lots of functionality into a small drone that weighs 10.6 ounces. The big features are the video and photo capabilities along with the hand gesture controls.