Twitter Patents ‘Tweet Controlled’ Drone

San Francisco-based social media company Twitter has obtained a patent for a “tweet-controlled” drone, the company has confirmed.

Twitter declined to comment further on the patent, which it was granted for an “unmanned aerial vehicle,” last week. Instead, a spokesman only had this to say, “Two words: Drone selfies.”

Twitter’s share priced cratered 38 percent in 2015, as investors became increasingly anxious about the sustainability of its business model.

The drone now joins a suite of new features rolled out by the company in recent months, including tools to allow users to create polls, make political donations and stream live video.

Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) also has introduced the ability to buy products and services via a one-step button.

It has been scrutinized by investors for months as its stock has plunged and pressure to increase revenue has grown. CEO Dick Costolo stepped down in mid-June and co-founder Jack Dorsey returned to the company as interim CEO.

Source: Upstart Business Journal from San Francisco Business Times, Riley McDermid
Photo: The Phantom Vision II Plus drone UAV, which could be similar to the type patented by Twitter. (TBJ File Photo)