Comment by linkjuice4all

I got back into R/C stuff after about 15 years after working at Hobbytown as a teenager.

The biggest advancements I've seen are around batteries and electronics (LiPo and cheaper/better radios that don't need a crystal), more access to parts (3D printing and cheap overseas CNC'd stuff), and some minor improvement in other accessories/electronics.

POV cameras seem to be much more popular in R/C aircraft - but the drifters and crawlers really seem to be embracing it.

Many of the brands still exist but a lot of them have been bought-up and are now competing with no-name bottom of the market stuff.

Kids still seem interested but I've noticed a big resurgence in adults that can afford to buy the stuff they couldn't get when they were younger. Maybe I haven't looked hard enough - but there's not a ton of open-source support controlling R/C vehicles or "vehicle platforms" that you can hack and build yourself. I think a lot of people want a reliable chassis and parts so they can focus on customizing the body/appearance.