Drone News Roundup: DJI Neo 2 Launches in China, Almost 16,000 Drones Used in Record-Breaking Drone Light Show, and More!
BY Zacc Dukowitz
30 October 2025This week we’re covering the launch of the DJI Neo 2 following recent leaks—but only in China for now.
We’re also covering a drone light show that won a Guinness Record by using almost 16,000 drones, a cinematic drone video shot on the DJI Neo in the mountains of Switzerland, firefighters in New York using a drone in a water rescue, and firefighting drone startup Seneca raising an impressive $60 million.
Now on to the links!
After Leaks, DJI Neo 2 Launches in China
Credit: DJI
Incredibly, the DJI Neo 2 managed to get almost all the way to launch without any leaks. One of the big leaks that did come out was that the Neo 2 would launch this week. And now we know the leakers were right: DJI unveiled the Neo 2 on Thursday—but only in China. One big surprise that wasn’t leaked? The Neo 2 comes with LiDAR. Here are the major upgrades the Neo 2 has from the Neo:
- New 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor supporting 48MP photos and 4K/60fps 10-bit HDR video—the Neo had a 1/2.3″ sensor, 12MP photos, and 4K/30fps video
- 19 minutes of flight time—up from 18 with the Neo
- 2-axis gimbal for smoother shots—the Neo had a single-axis gimbal
- LiDAR-enhanced omnidirectional obstacle sensors plus double-layer prop guards—the Neo had basic front sensors and single-layer prop guards on the Neo, and no LiDAR
All this, and it still only weighs 135 grams, keeping it well below the 250 gram registration threshold.
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Light Show with Almost 16,000 Drones Sets New Guinness Record
Back in 2016, Intel won the first Guinness Record for having the most drones in the air at the same time. The number? Just 100 drones. Since then, companies have used more and more drones to beat that record. And just a few weeks ago, a company called High Great Technology Co. beat the record yet again, this time by flying 15,947 drones simultaneously—and all from a single computer. The previous record was for just 10,197 drones. The light show took place in Liuyang, China at the annual Liuyang Fireworks Culture Festival. In addition, the show also secured a Guinness Record for the most fireworks launched during a drone show, with 7,496 fireworks accompanying the drone light show.
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Hiking in Switzerland with the DJI Neo
YouTuber Un Monde 2 Rêves recently took the DJI Neo on a family hike through the Swiss Alps. They captured some relaxed and natural moments along the way, showcasing the Neo’s impressive capabilities for supporting creators. The drone’s compact 135 gram design and intelligent flight modes make it ideal for this kind of casual, scenic shooting, letting you keep your subjects framed as you explore, with your hands free. Watch the video for some beautiful cinematic 4K footage of alpine trails surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas—and to see what the small but robust Neo can do.
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FDNY Uses Drone to Save a Life in the East River
FDNY’s Marine Battalion and Robotics team recently used a drone to assist in a life-saving rescue in the East River. The rescue started when the drone located a person in the water. Then, emergency personnel used the drone to drop two bright yellow buoys in the water. Visibility was poor, and these markers were crucial in helping first responders navigate directly to the victim. Battalion Chief Michael Dowling praised the drone team’s precision, noting that the buoys provided an easily seen marker prior to spotting the person’s head above water.
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Firefighting Drone Startup Seneca Raises Whopping $60 Million
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Seneca, a firefighting drone startup, has announced a $60 million funding round. This is one of the largest amounts of money an early-stage firefighting startup has ever raised—not just for drones, but for any fire technology. The company is developing autonomous drones capable of carrying over 100 pounds of fire retardant, deploying powerful suppression at more than 100 PSI, and launching remotely with AI-guided navigation. These drones can respond to fires within ten minutes, targeting critical early ignition points to prevent rapid wildfire spread. Watch the video to see how Seneca’s drones support firefighting efforts with early detection and suppression.
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