In today’s era of live streaming, individuals with just a smartphone can thrive alongside organized guilds, multichannel networks, and celebrity studios on major platforms.
Take Bella, a customer service representative in e-commerce, who recently started a side gig as a “sleep ASMR” streamer. Every night at 11 p.m, she helps viewers drift off using techniques like whispering, roleplaying, and tapping. She began streaming with her phone and basic earbuds, but as her viewership grew, she noticed her phone’s limitations. It struggled with details like close-ups and hand movements, which made it hard to deliver the quality her audience wanted.
Upgrading to a professional setup with high-end cameras, lighting, and studio design, however, is a steep investment. For streamers like Bella, the ideal solution is a high-definition, streamlined camera with smooth autofocus, subject tracking, and adaptable lighting. Enter OBSBot’s Tail Air, an artificial intelligence-powered streaming camera designed to make these features accessible with minimal training or support.
Recently launched by OBSBot, a company specializing in imaging technology, the Tail Air represents a new generation of AI-powered streaming cameras. Equipped with automation and advanced algorithms, it’s built to deliver high-quality video across diverse content creation scenarios.
Unlike conventional cameras, the Tail Air resembles a larger webcam but operates independently, thanks to a built-in battery and processor, which eliminates the need for a computer. It includes HDMI capabilities for connecting to broadcasting systems or PCs, making it suitable for both hobbyist and professional streamers.
China’s AI-powered camera market is booming, driven by advancements in deep learning and sensor technology that are creating demand across industries. Cameras like the Tail Air now offer precise image recognition and processing, making them indispensable for a range of applications. Traditional camera brands and startups like OBSBot are now in fierce competition for a piece of this growing market. The Tail Air stands out by focusing on accessibility, high-quality visuals, and personalized features, available now in China as production ramps up.
For individual streamers, the Tail Air’s main appeal lies in its simplicity. Its gimbal rotates at 120 degrees per second, smoothly tracking people, pets, and objects in motion—a valuable feature in pet content, where fast-moving subjects can challenge a camera’s stability. The Tail Air’s object recognition and tracking feature enables automatic zooming and can follow a pet in motion, reducing shaky, low-resolution footage for a seamless, immersive viewing experience. If a pet briefly leaves the frame, the Tail Air’s memory kicks in, resuming tracking once it returns.
To meet demand for dynamic angles, the Tail Air also offers an “AI director” mode with grid view display, allowing users to switch viewpoints in real time. Intuitive controls, like hand gestures, let streamers adjust focus, start or stop recording, and zoom without disrupting the flow of their broadcast.
The Tail Air delivers high-quality output at an entry-level price, offering 4K resolution at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS, HDR, and AI-enhanced image quality. A time-of-flight (TOF) laser sensor accelerates autofocus speed and accuracy, crucial for capturing motion. With a built-in battery and processor, it functions independently and stores footage locally, while wireless smartphone connectivity allows real-time parameter adjustments. For streamers needing advanced outputs, the Tail Air includes multiple interfaces compatible with third-party hardware for seamless multi-platform integration.
Founded in 2016, OBSBot operates out of Songshan Lake, Dongguan, with a focus on combining AI and imaging technology. Since the launch of its flagship Tail series, OBSBot has seen continued growth. Its Tiny series sold over 150,000 units globally in 2023, driving a 40% revenue increase, while daily sales of the Tail series on Douyin exceeded RMB 100,000 (USD 14,000) last year.
To capture both domestic and global markets, OBSBot employs a dual strategy. CEO Liu Bo told 36Kr that Chinese consumers primarily use OBSBot cameras for live streaming, particularly for outdoor and lifestyle content, while international users favor them for business meetings and collaborative tasks. This split shapes product demand, with overseas buyers opting for Tiny webcams in bulk, while Chinese streamers appreciate the Tail Air’s standalone capability, eliminating the need for additional power sources or complex setups.
“Our long-term focus has been on simplifying filming workflows to make live streaming more accessible,” Liu said.
Streamers today seek equipment that tackles filming challenges while delivering high-quality visuals. The Tail Air, with its multi-angle shooting and rich output, distinguishes itself from standard cameras and mobile devices. At RMB 3,499 (USD 490)—about a third of an entry-level camera’s cost—it offers individual streamers an affordable way to elevate their content quality. With AI-powered automatic framing, follow focus, and multitasking, the Tail Air meets the demands of solo creators aiming to streamline their setup.
Yet, for enterprises with broader needs, AI cameras remain in early adoption stages globally, requiring time and investment in user education.
Tail Air’s capabilities have gained traction in North America, where it has been used to live stream major events like music festivals. The device not only provides clearer content but also lightens the workload for event staff with its auto-follow feature. “Though Tail Air is marketed as an entry-level product, most users find it hard to go back to traditional camera setups once they’ve tried it,” Liu said.
To boost brand visibility, OBSBot is negotiating with Apple stores and major camera retailers for in-store demos. It has also partnered with sports events and entertainment IPs, debuting OBSBot products at the preliminary rounds of the ITTF World Youth Championships, easing production teams’ workload with a seamless, high-quality streaming experience.
Beyond the Tail Air, OBSBot recently introduced the Meet 2, a high-performance camera designed for domestic streamers, gamers, and content creators in need of versatile setups. Looking forward, OBSBot aims to expand its AI-driven offerings, advancing from entry-level to professional-grade automated devices.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.