AeriCam, a San Francisco-based tech company, has developed the Anura, a miniature drone that only weighs four ounces; measures 5-inches long and 3-inches thick  and is controlled by a smartphone.

Anura is equipped with a built-in camera for videos and still photos linked to an app available for Android and iOS devices. It also sports a built-in Wi-Fi antenna with a range of 60 to 90 feet that beams directly to the user's smartphone, forgoing the need for a network.

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On a single charge, the drone can do its thing for 12 to 16 minutes. Jason Lam, the inventor of the Anura, said the device requires at least 40 minutes to be fully charged via USB.

What sets Anura apart from the competition is its design. The arms and rotors of the drone can be folded into the body of the device.

This transforms the drone into a little rectangular package that can be put into a bag or pocket without fear something will break off, said CNET's Michael Franco.

Lam already has a reputation as an inventor as he founded AeriCam, a tech firm that previously built the AeriCam X6. The X6, which costs US$12,500, is a six-rotor drone primarily geared towards use in the film and movie industry.

On the other hand, the Anura drone will only retail for US$275. Interested individuals can go to its Kickstarter page and pay just US$195 for Aericam's "Kick-Starter Special." They'll receive the device when the company starts shipping in April 2015.

As of the moment, the drone's Kickstarter page indicates it has already signed 395 backers, received US$81,674 out of its goal of $100,000 with 51 days to go.

TagsAnura, drone, AeriCam, Wi-fi, camera, Kickstarter