Insta360 is quietly working to introduce a very tough competitor to DJI’s FrameTap Remote Controller. Obviously, we were the first to report when DJI was working on the FrameTap Remote Controller, and now we are here to report that Insta360 is working on a very similar type of device, which has a square design and a display unit with a high-quality built-in microphone, which helps you remotely control the camera as well as add high-quality studio-style audio to the device, even if you’re shooting from a distance.
Insta360 has quietly filed a detailed utility model patent (CN 224054326 U) for a new remote control system that integrates a display for live preview, high-quality audio recording, wireless connectivity, and positioning features. This appears to be the core intellectual property behind the highly praised detachable touchscreen remote already shipping on the Insta360 Luna Ultra.
For American vloggers, YouTubers, and solo creators who rely on flexible shooting setups, this patent signals that Insta360 is serious about building a stronger wireless ecosystem – directly challenging DJI’s recent FrameTap remote on the Osmo Mobile 8P.
What the Patent Actually Describes
The patent outlines a standalone remote control (independent of the main shooting device) that includes:
- Communication module (Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi) for bidirectional data transfer with cameras or gimbals.
- Display component for real-time camera feed preview and on-device adjustment of shooting parameters (mode, exposure, gimbal angle, etc.).
- Advanced microphone system with multiple protective layers — waterproof/breathable membrane, wind-noise-reducing porous layer, buffer, and protective mesh — designed to capture clean audio that syncs perfectly with video.
- Storage module so the remote can record audio independently.
- Positioning module (GPS and other satellite systems) for location tracking or anti-loss features.
- Physical buttons (shutter, power, mode switch, volume) plus mounting options (magnet, clip, threaded hole, lanyard).
In short: a compact, versatile remote that lets you preview, control, and capture synchronised audio from a distance without needing your phone or extra mics.
Insta360 Luna Ultra Gimbal Camera Features & Accessories. – Freewell Gear
Already in Your Hands: The Luna Ultra Detachable Remote
Yes, we already have a remote controller from Insta360, and that was very good. That is the Insta360 Luna Ultra display screen with an easily detachable compartment, so you can take it in your hand and vlog wherever you want. The display screen also has a high-quality built-in microphone to capture clear audio.
The patent likely provides broad legal protection for this technology, allowing Insta360 to extend it to future cameras, gimbals, or standalone accessories.
Head-to-Head: Insta360 Patent vs DJI FrameTap
| Feature | Insta360 Patent / Luna Ultra Remote | DJI Osmo FrameTap (Osmo Mobile 8P) |
| Live Preview | Yes (OLED touchscreen) | Yes (1.4″ touchscreen, 60Hz) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes – multi-layer wind & moisture protection | No (uses phone/gimbal mics) |
| Audio Storage on Remote | Yes | No |
| Positioning/GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| Mounting Flexibility | Magnet, clip, lanyard, threaded | Magnetic dock on gimbal handle |
| Best For | Action cams, gimbals, rugged vlogging | Phone gimbal + ActiveTrack workflows |
| US Availability | Luna Ultra widely available now | Tied to Osmo Mobile 8P |
DJI’s FrameTap excels at seamless phone-gimbal integration and subject tracking. Insta360’s approach shines for creators who want better on-board audio and more versatile mounting options.
DJI Osmo Mobile 8P Announced – FrameTap Wireless Remote, ActiveTrack 8.0, and More | CineD
When Will We See a Standalone Version?
The Luna Ultra (priced at $769.99 in the US) already delivers this technology today and is available at Insta360’s store, Amazon, and Best Buy.
A broader standalone remote (sold separately for use with other Insta360 cameras like the X-series or future models) is the logical next step.
Insta360 Luna Ultra is not the only camera which is coming under the pocketable gimbal camera range of Insta360. We have seen the Insta360 Pro with a single camera lens module, maybe a non-detachable camera body design. So this is a thing for future products as well, and it will have full synchronization with the existing Insta360 Pocket gimbal cameras like Luna Ultra.
When it’s coming/arrival time
Given typical timelines from patent filing to accessory release, we could see an expanded or standalone version sometime in 2027. Since a patent takes 1 or 2 years to become a final product.
Insta360 has a history of moving quickly once core tech is proven – the GPS Preview Remote and other accessories launched relatively fast after similar innovations.
Patent (CN 224054326 U) – This is not primarily a GPS Preview Remote
Do not get confused that it’s the Insta360 GPS Preview Remote that we have seen earlier as a product. There is a very clear difference between the two, and this has been designed to get in sync with other intelligent products.
Patent literature clearly mentions – This disclosure relates to the field of shooting equipment technology, and in particular to a remote control and shooting system.
Why This Matters for US Creators
Since the DJI FrameTap is not available in the United States of America due to the DJI ban, this is a kind of golden opportunity for Insta360 to introduce a very similar system/alternative to the DJI ecosystem, where people can buy pocket gimbal cameras like the Luna Ultra. Although it does have an attached display screen, we do have several other Insta360 cameras where we can easily synchronise this upcoming remote controller. Other than that, future gimbal cameras like the Insta360 Luna Pro and several others like the Ace Pro 3 as well as the X6 will also benefit. All these cameras will have complete deep synchronisation with this remote controller.
Final Thoughts
Insta360 isn’t just copying DJI’s FrameTap playbook – they’re adapting the “detachable smart remote with live view” and giving a perfect alternative to USA-based buyers.
For US buyers looking for flexible shooting tools right now, the Insta360 Luna Ultra is the best way to experience this technology today. A more widely compatible standalone remote could arrive within the next 6–12 months.
Would you like to see Insta360 release a cheaper standalone version of this remote for their action cameras? Drop your thoughts in the comments – we read every one.
Stay tuned to thenewcamera.com for the latest on Insta360 developments, comparisons, and buying guides tailored for US creators.
The article “Insta360 True DJI Neo 2 Competitor Emerges: Foldable Drone Prototype Patent Details Surface” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 9:38 am, Saturday, 11 July 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)| You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM > get live news — > DJI Rumors
Insta360 True DJI Neo 2 Competitor Emerges: Foldable Drone Prototype Patent Details Surface
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