The XbotGo Chameleon is an AI-powered sports tracking system that transforms a smartphone into a hands-free filming rig. Rather than functioning as a standalone camera, it utilizes an integrated tracking lens to manage pan and tilt movements while the host smartphone's camera records the actual footage. The system is supported by a robust app that controls the device, facilitates firmware updates, and offers live streaming options alongside in-app workflow tools such as marking, basic editing, and sharing. Additionally, it supports a "Monitor Mode" (two-phone workflow) for real-time viewing and remote control—essential when the camera is mounted on a high tripod. Notably, no mandatory subscription is required for core features.

With its 11v11 soccer focus, the Chameleon represents a strong value for hands-free sports filming when configured correctly (utilizing a tall tripod, centerline positioning, and a capable smartphone). While it may not match the absolute consistency of high-end, multi-camera subscription systems, it delivers usable full-match footage and practical sharing workflows at a lower total cost—provided the user accepts the learning curve, occasional tracking drift, and minor app/streaming friction.

XbotGo’s Chameleon targets a common grassroots challenge: recording a full 11v11 match without requiring a parent or staff member to manually operate the camera. It is not a traditional camcorder; instead, the Chameleon provides AI-driven tracking and motorized pan/tilt capabilities while your smartphone handles the actual video capture. Consequently, results depend heavily on the physical setup (height, centerline positioning, and clear sightlines) and the imaging performance of the host smartphone.

In our 11v11-focused testing (utilizing a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra), daylight tracking was convincingly autonomous. However, floodlit conditions remain the most significant stress test, as low-light environments reduce contrast and increase motion blur and image noise—factors that can negatively impact both tracking consistency and recorded detail at full-pitch distances. When deployed correctly with sufficient height and a central vantage point, the Chameleon can capture high-quality, full-pitch 11v11 footage with minimal operator intervention. Low-light scenarios remain the primary condition where tracking reliability and video clarity tend to degrade. Ultimately, the Chameleon is most valuable as a replacement for a human operator, though it does exhibit consistent failure modes that are specific to large-field sports.

After our testing we did gave the device scores (again future firmware updates can improve performance)

• Tracking (Daylight, 11v11): 8.0/10

Strong when the play is structured and the action cluster is clear, but the dataset includes repeated reports of drift/missed plays during rapid transitions, clustered phases, and far‑side action when height/positioning is sub‑optimal.

• Tracking (Floodlights/Low Light): 6.5/10

Acceptable late‑afternoon results with modern phones, but night conditions soften detail and increase the likelihood of tracking hesitation; low-light performance is ultimately phone‑limited.

• Ease of Use / Setup: 8.0/10

No problems during setup, even firmware updates take so long, but should be performed at house after all..

• App & Workflow (Streaming/Scoreboard/Files): 7.0/10

The feature set is strong (monitoring, marking, sharing), yet streaming and login reliability may depend on your provider and we would like easier exporting/sharing and better editing ergonomics.

• Value (No mandatory subscription + phone-based 4K): 8.0/10

Value remains a key strength versus subscription ecosystems; however, the practical 11v11 cost often includes a tall tripod and sometimes a second phone for monitoring/scoreboard workflows.

COMPETITIVE CONTEXT (Subscription vs No-Subscription)

• XbotGo positions Chameleon’s core app workflow as “no monthly fee”, leaning on your smartphone for capture.
• Veo and Trace are examples of ecosystems that emphasize subscriptions for platform access/features.
• Pixellot’s consumer flow also presents plan-building around camera and subscription options.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

• Tall tripod (NT4) for 11v11: listed at $189.99 on XbotGo; $179.00 at B&H (pricing examples).
• Weather Guard Umbrella: $49.99 on XbotGo (shade/UV + light rain/wind; not full rain coverage).

Pros

• Hands-free match filming that lets parents/coaches watch the game, most practical way to film games without being ‘stuck behind the camera’
• Smooth footage - gimbal stabilization and watchable video during high-intensity play.
• Auto-framing/zoom convenience for solo athletes and self-recorded training sessions.
• Good image quality with modern phones (including 4K/60 use cases).
• Battery life typically covers full games and tournaments.
• XbotGo App includes marking, basic editing, and (when used) Monitor Mode/scoreboard reduce post-game work.
• Included remote control is useful.
• No mandatory subscription — strong value compared to subscription camera ecosystems.

Cons

• Device is not waterproof, keep that in mind
• No dedicated protective carrying case for the core unit, users must provide themselfs.
• Not a standalone camera: you must dedicate a phone (battery/storage/overheating risk).
• Tracking is not fully set-and-forget on large fields: drift/missed plays can occur during rapid transitions and clustered play.
• 11v11 soccer requires height; far-side play is the weak spot without a tall tripod.
• Firmware updates take long time, but can be performed at home
• Live streaming sometimes may have reliability issues
• Remote/control ergonomics could be better with dedicated pause/mark/zoom controls
• XBotGo App could be improved, all videos have watermark, limited zoom control from monitor/remote, and export/sharing friction needs improvement