The XbotGo Chameleon is an AI-controlled smartphone mounting system developed for high-quality sports shots. Equipped with a patented AI processor, it automatically recognizes and tracks the action by analysing ball movements, changes of direction and player poses. The name sounds like Transformer, but behind the futuristic title is not an independent cameraman, but an intelligent tracking gadget that automatically keeps an eye on your cell phone during action shots. Our XbotGo Chameleon test clarifies whether the device is also suitable for other videos and what it has to offer.
Technical data
| The product | Chamelon |
| resolution | 720p / 1080p / 4K |
| Frame rate | Up to 60 fps |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| Lens | 120 degree ultra wide angle |
| weight | 540 grams |
| Dimensions | 125 mm x 100 mm x 60 mm |
| price | € 389.00 * |
XbotGo Chameleon test: Robust and high quality
- handy design
- Robust; but not weatherproof
- Extensive accessories such as tripod or umbrella available
Small tracker big time. The XbotGo Chameleon surprised me at first. The device comes in a plain cardboard box, which despite its compact dimensions seems surprisingly heavy. The Chameleon itself measures 125 mm x 100 mm x 60 mm and weighs a whopping 540 grams.
The scope of delivery also includes a remote control, a USB charging cable, a carrying bag and a microfiber cloth.
However, there is also a whole range of accessories for the gimbal camera, which are included in the All-Weather Bundle, for example. These include, among others:
- robust and compact metal T1 tripod
- Hardcover carrying case
- umbrella
The quality and workmanship of the XbotGo Chameleon and all its accessories are simply outstanding. You really have the feeling of holding high-quality technology in your hands.
Visually, the Chameleon also leaves a high-quality impression. There is a USB-C port at the back for charging, and the gimbal can still be used while charging.
The rubberized smartphone holder is located on the top, into which you insert your smartphone and screw it into place using the rotary knob on the back to prevent it from falling out.
The power button, on the other hand, is located on the front. It is also used for Bluetooth pairing, while a blue status LED provides information about the remaining battery life. When the Chameleon is switched on, the two XbotGo logos on the sides also light up in white.
Commissioning
- Quick and easy to use
- Pairing only possible in app
Setting up the XbotGo Chameleon is very simple. Simply insert the smartphone (the rear cameras should be facing the gimbal cam), switch it on and pair it via Bluetooth.
However, I found that my smartphone was unable to connect to the Chameleon. It wasn’t until I downloaded and installed the XbotGo app that I was able to pair the two devices.
According to the manufacturer, the XbotGo Chameleon turns your smartphone into a smart, AI-controlled sports cameraman that recognizes players, movements and jerseys – across more than 20 sports. This means that the integrated camera is only used for AI tracking. The Chameleon is not able to record videos itself – the smartphone is used for this.
The highlights at a glance:
- Automatic tracking
- Over 20 sports modes (e.g. soccer, basketball, American football, tennis, ice hockey, skateboarding, lacrosse & more)
- Shirt number recognition
- FollowMe function
- No subscription necessary
- 20 GB free cloud storage (100+ hours of video material)
- Live scoreboard & live streaming
- 4K HD resolution & ultra-wide angle (120°)
- Highlight creation & sharing tools
- Dual camera support
- Battery life: up to 8 hours
Practical test of the XbotGo Chameleon
- Numerous firmware updates need to be installed individually
- Interface not self-explanatory
- Gesture control imprecise
So it all sounds pretty impressive on paper. To be able to use all the features, you first have to register and log in to the companion app, which is quite quick. Unfortunately, you can’t save or share videos from the app without an account.
Ultra annoying: Apparently there are several firmware updates available for download. Each update has to be downloaded and installed individually. Once I had done this, a pop-up appeared telling me that another firmware update was available. And then another one. And another one. What was that all about? At least the installation was quick and reliable.
Unfortunately, the recording interface itself is not really self-explanatory. What the various symbols are all about is completely unclear. The only way to find out is to try them out and then realize that most of the options are actually intended for recording sports. These include a scoreboard mode or jersey number recognition.
To start tracking, for example, you have to circle the person(s) you want to track with your finger. If you want to film yourself, you can start or stop tracking by raising your hand – this is then confirmed by the smartphone flashlight lighting up.
Sounds great, but works rather poorly in practice. Whether the XbotGo Chameleon recognizes my hand movements or not seems to be a matter of luck. Sometimes it worked, much more often it didn’t. That’s really annoying in the long run if you want to film yourself.
Slow tracking
- Slow tracking speed
- 4K/60 not possible in all modes
If the tracking does work, I find it extremely slow. If I move slowly through the picture, the tracker and camera follow me reliably. However, if I jump out of the frame, the duo quickly loses sight of me – but at least they reliably find me again.
Sorry, but almost all smartphone gimbals with an AI tracker do this much better.
However, if I switch to the front camera and try to activate tracking, the app and therefore the recording hangs every time. What is that? Is this an Android problem? If you believe some (iPhone) videos, it should actually work. All the YouTube videos I could find about the Chameleon were with iPhones. And everything seems to work perfectly.
With Android devices on the other hand? Well, yes. I also noticed that 4K recording is not possible in all modes. Follow Me, for example, allows me a maximum of 1080p at 30 fps, but 4K at 30 fps is possible in soccer mode and 4K/60 in other sports.
In addition, I can only use the front camera in Follow Me mode, but not in the sports modes. So if you want to record yourself playing soccer, basketball and other sports, you’re left out in the cold. I was therefore unable to test the Chameleon during sports.
For each sport, the app provides you with comprehensive instructions on how to place the Chameleon and what to look out for when recording. If you like, you can also livestream content directly from the app to YouTube, Facebook or TikTok.
There is also a simple video editor in the app that uses artificial intelligence to cut together highlights from various clips. However, it is very rudimentary and only actually cuts several videos into one.
XbotGo Chameleon test: Conclusion
The XbotGo Chameleon is undoubtedly a cool idea for anyone who wants to record sporting events. The design is appealing, the workmanship is high quality and the accessories are extensive. It also has a decent battery life of up to 8 hours and the option to record in 4K/60. The device also comes with some cool features such as a scoreboard mode and jersey number recognition.
However, the Chameleon is absolutely unsuitable for solo creators. Outside of the sports modes, it is only possible to record in 1080p/30, the tracking is also very inaccurate and slow, and the app is confusing and not intuitive.
If you intend to record your own vlogging videos with the device, you will be much better off with a smartphone gimbal.
- Small and handy
- Robust design
- Exciting AI features
- Good battery life
- High price
- Not waterproof
- Inaccurate tracking
- Slow tracking speed
- Unusable for solo creators
- App problems and crashes
XbotGo Chameleon
Design & Workmanship
Features
Battery life
Value For Money
73/100
An interesting tool for sporting events, but it loses out to smartphone gimbals thanks to slow and inaccurate tracking and less intuitive operation.
