CES 2018: GoPro exits the drone business lays off hundreds of employees

GoPro is ceasing production of its drone line while laying off hundreds of its employees. Drones are extremely competitive and fall within a wide range of prices and GoPro can't compete in the current climate. GoPro's Karma Drone will be the last product to come from GoPro, although there's little confidence to buy the device now that there will be no continuity and questionable support and service.

Source: The Verge

GoPro outs Hero6 action camera

It might look almost identical to the Hero5 but the new GoPro Hero6 gets an upgrade inside. Slow-motion frames got a significant boost. You can now shoot 4K at 50 frames per second (fps), 2.7K at 120fps, and 1080p at 240fps. Image stabilization has also been improved. GoPro says it also has faster Wi-Fi speeds for file transfer. The Hero6 replaces Wide Dynamic Range with a High Dynamic Range mode. This model also packs in a new GP1 sensor.

According to GoPro CEO Nick Woodman, this lets them offer “improved dynamic range, extensive manual controls, enhanced color reproduction and better lowlight performance.” The Hero6 retails for US$499 (approx. CA$620).

Source: The Next Web

GoPro recalls 2,500 Karma drones due to power failure

Action camera maker GoPro is hastily recalling  2,500 of its Karma drones bought since Oct. 23 after a small number of the devices lost power during operation. No injuries or damage to property was reported and GoPro says that owners can return the drones for a full refund, no replacements are being offered. The problem with drones losing power during operation is that they become projectiles and can crash into persons and property, a huge issue for GoPro which could be held liable for any damage done resulting from this defect.

In a message on their website, GoPro had this to say, "GoPro is committed to providing our customers with great product experiences. To honor this commitment, we have recalled Karma until we resolve a performance issue related to a loss of power during operation. We plan to resume shipment of Karma once the issue is addressed."

Birdie lets you throw your GoPro in the air without destroying it

Drones are obviously the easiest way to take footage with your GoPro. But if you don’t have one of these on hand (or don’t want to spend unnecessarily on one), a shuttlecock-like accessory called Birdie might be your answer. Obviously taking inspiration from badminton, the contraption lets you throw a GoPro in the air without damaging it. While it won’t stay up in the air for too long, it could provide you with some interesting footage or photos. You can throw it straight up or ahead towards something or someone. Birdie first appeared as an Indiegogo project but will soon be up on Amazon for $49 USD (around $60 CAD).

Source: SlashGear