For our company we applied the opposite approach. Because for us it all revolves around Live Deck. We have invested in a chain and work flow based on this particular setup. So we decided to get one of the last heavily discounted V1 aircrafts from a vendor in Spain to have it as a backup unit or use it for spare parts in the future.
Only real disappointment we are left with is never being able to get our hands on a Smart Controller for those V1 units. That was originally our plan.
By owning two identical V1 aircrafts we now also have the gimbals, the regular controllers all cables and accessories in double. The discounted price totaling just under 4k for two units and accessories made it feasible for us. Had we bought this all in early 2021 at full retail price with the same expectations we would feel sick to the stomach about it today like so many of us obviously do.
We hope to get enough jobs done while we sit out the V2 discussion and maybe get back in to the discussion when we talk about a V3 entering the market. We have no hopes for a cash back or free upgrade generosity, or even a fair% discount on the next Autel aircraft.
Furthermore it still would be cool if Autel at least assures the next line of EVO III or alike will use the same batteries as the
EVO II. Interexchangabilty and a modular approach would be a USP and a reason for staying loyal to Autel Robotics despite this mess. Modular approaches would mean to also develop a fast swap plate, like a slide in and click or twist to secure any payload. My verdict, don't try to imitate DJI, think different.
(Yeah that does sound like a 1997 Apple advertising. For those who don't know. That was their slogan when Apple almost went bankrupt).