There are people who experience their kids’ sports matches on the field more through a lens and a screen than with their own eyes. There’s got to be a better way than that. How about a smart tracking device that does it all on autopilot? The XbotGo Chameleon claims to transform the way sports games are recorded. Using AI for tracking and smartphone integration, this device promises a seamless recording experience for families, amateur teams, and sports enthusiasts. At a price point significantly lower than professional-grade solutions, it targets casual users looking for hands-free operation. But does it live up to the hype? We received a test unit of the XbotGo Chameleon to prepare this article, so here’s an in-depth review.
XbotGo Chameleon features and specifications
The XbotGo Chameleon functions as an AI-powered tracking mount for smartphones. Its key hardware specifications, as per XbotGo, include:
- Compatibility: Compatible with smartphones up to 180 mm in size and 9.5 mm thick, supporting iOS 10.0+ and Android 8.0+.
- Resolution Options: Advertised as supporting 720p, 1080p, and 4K recording.
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of operation on a single charge.
- Tracking Capabilities: Features AI-powered player tracking across multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, and tennis.
- Live Streaming: Enables live streaming through its own app and cloud platform.
- Adjustable Angles: Pan angle up to +240°/-100° and roll angle up to +90°/-90°.
- Build Quality: Rugged design with a premium feel, available in Pearl Grey, Lava Graphite, and Lemon Green.
It’s critical to note that the XbotGo Chameleon itself does not have recording capabilities. Instead, a smartphone must be mounted on the device to capture footage. This makes the XbotGo Chameleon different from devices like the OBSBOT Tail 2, which is essentially a sports tracker that comes with its own camera as well, but of course with a price tag of more than 1000 bucks, way more expensive than the solution we are talking about today, that leverages your smartphone’s camera, which you carry around anyway.
Checking out the hardware and software
The hardware design of the Chameleon is among its strongest aspects. It looks very modern, sleek, and its overall design was also rewarded with a well-deserved Red Dot Design Award, filed under the product name “XbotGo2 Smart AI Mobile Phone Bracket,” likely ahead of them marketing the product as Chameleon. With a sturdy and reliable build, it offers a rugged feel that instills confidence during use. However, like most electronics, the device should still be handled with care to avoid accidental damage.
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Setting up the Chameleon is straightforward. Mounting a smartphone takes only moments, and attaching the device to a tripod (sold separately) is seamless. The remote control deserves mention here: while it is physically well-made, its iconography may be confusing on first use. Most users will quickly learn the controls through trial and error, but the initial experience could be smoother. The XbotGo website offers compatible tripods, such as the T1 (3.77 ft) and T4 (13 ft), which enhance functionality and ensure optimal tracking.
The accompanying app is crucial to the Chameleon’s operation, guiding users through initial setup and allowing precise control over tracking and recording. However, the learning curve can be steep. While basic functionality is easy to grasp, more advanced features, including some advertised capabilities, were either hard to locate or altogether absent.
It’s important to note that reliance on the app is a double-edged sword. If the software stops being updated or is no longer maintained by the manufacturer, the device risks losing essential functionality, since all controls and features require the app to operate. This is a genuine concern with any hardware that is tightly integrated with proprietary software, and buyers should keep this in mind. On the positive side, unlike physical hardware limitations, many issues or missing features can be addressed through app or firmware updates. This means there is potential for ongoing improvements, new feature rollouts, and bug fixes, often without the need for additional hardware purchases.
For instance, the app boasts a highlight reel creation feature. During tests, this functionality was neither automatically applied to footage nor readily accessible within the app interface, highlighting a feature that was promised but either missing or difficult to locate, which could potentially be addressed in future updates.
Performance review
The AI-powered tracking is functional but not without faults. During testing and while viewing live streams from other users, the device performed adequately but occasionally failed to follow the action as expected. The tracking sometimes lagged or prioritized specific players over the broader gameplay. This could stem from intentional settings, such as programming the camera to follow a focal player. While effective for training and individual performance analysis, casual users may find such behavior inconsistent with the gameplay focus they expect.
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Despite advertising support for up to 4K resolution, the Chameleon only allowed HD (1080p) recording at 30 frames per second (FPS) during testing. This limitation appears to be linked to the app or the device’s processing capabilities, rather than the specific smartphone used, since the phone can easily record with better quality on its native camera app. While the captured footage is clear enough for casual use, professionals or users seeking ultra-high-definition quality might find this unsatisfactory.
Battery performance closely aligned with the advertised “up to 8 hours” usage time. This estimate depends on operational intensity, but in practice, it was sufficient for multiple amateur matches or training sessions in a single day. One of the Chameleon’s standout features is its live streaming capability. Beyond enabling users to broadcast their games, it provides the opportunity to view public streams from other users. This creates a unique sense of global community, allowing viewers to see teams and players from different locations worldwide.
However, the streaming experience is not without its limitations. Some users have reported issues with stream visibility or sharing settings, which may require manual adjustments post-recording. While the community aspect is engaging, minor frustrations with functionality could detract from the overall experience.
Summarizing everything we know
The XbotGo Chameleon is positioned as a consumer-grade solution, ideal for family use, amateur sports events, and individual training analysis. It is not intended to replace professional-grade broadcasting equipment and shouldn’t be expected to deliver TV-production-level results or be used for betting on games.
The Chameleon is currently priced at $359 on Amazon for those who prefer their shipping and return procedures. Additional accessories, such as tripods and a weather protection cover, are available. While these extras are not included in the base price, they are essential for achieving the best results, particularly for outdoor use or maximizing viewing angles.
The XbotGo Chameleon successfully delivers on its promise of providing a hands-free recording solution for casual users. By integrating AI tracking, live streaming, and easy smartphone connectivity, it offers unique features for families, coaches, and amateur teams. However, its limitations in terms of tracking reliability, video quality, and app functionality prevent it from achieving the versatility required for professional applications.
For those seeking an affordable and straightforward device to capture sports moments, the Chameleon is a worthwhile option, provided its capabilities are understood and expectations are managed. Buying a compatible tripod and considering weather protection could further enhance the user experience. Interested buyers can learn more or purchase the device via the XbotGo website or explore it on Amazon.
YouTube: XbotGo Chameleon sample footage (promotional clip)
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Photo credit: All photos shown in this article have been taken by Pupu Liang for TechAcute.
Editorial notice: We received a Chameleon test unit from XbotGo but were not paid to do this review article.
