At CES on Tuesday, Thermal imaging pioneers FLIR debuted a next-generation FLIR ONE consumer-level thermal camera that one-ups its predecessor by trading in the large semi-permanent iPhone case form factor for a small plug-and-play dongle with higher resolution sensors.
Like the first-generation FLIR ONE, the second iteration will once again employ a Lepton thermal camera core, FLIR's branded long-wave infrared sensor, but updated to achieve enhanced resolutions and higher performance. For example, converted temperature readings are said to be accurate within a range of plus or minus three degrees Fahrenheit.
FLIR will be carrying over its patented MSX technology, which combines output from the Lepton system with image data from a visible light spectrum camera to produce sharply detailed thermal images. Due to technical limitations and the nature of light, images reproduced from infrared radiation data are usually fuzzy, but FLIR's hybrid technology offers clearly defined borders and depth of field. AppleInsider found MSX to be a key feature for the first-generation FLIR ONE.
Like the competing Seek Thermal accessory, the second-gen FLIR ONE takes shape as a plug-and-play Lightning dongle. Because the original ONE, still available in stores for $249, incorporates its own standalone battery, the unit is designed to attach to an iPhone via a sled-like case. The solution limited compatibility to iPhone 5/5s models, leaving users who upgraded to an iPhone 6 out of luck.
FLIR is positioning the ONE as a tool for home improvement projects, such as finding water or heat leaks, but notes the device is great for recreation as well. While demoing the unit, representatives threw out the term "Thermie" for thermal selfie.
FLIR didn't say how much the second-generation FLIR ONE will cost, but the company expects the device to hit store shelves in mid-2015.