GoPro goes big with new UAV, VR Plans

by TODD STOLARSKI | May 29, 2015

The skies are getting crowded. This week, at the second annual Re/code Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, GoPro CEO Nick Woodman took the logical next leap in his company's evolution. Plans were unleashed for both a spherical mounting unit to hold six Hero cameras for 360-degree, virtual reality recording purposes, plus GoPro's on new quadcopter. Both are expected to be available by early 2016, with the six-camera mount likely to arrive first by the end of this year.

"My ambitions are thiiiiis big." GoPro's CEO didn't actually say that, but the message was clear. (Photo by Re/code) — *"My ambitions are thiiiiis big." GoPro's CEO didn't actually say that, but the message was clear. (Photo by Re/code)*

Woodman admitted that after Facebook purchased Oculus last July, the "gauntlet was dropped". With VR becoming an increasingly busy sector to be in, GoPro has taken a different avenue to diversify its offerings and expand its market portfolio. In early trading yesterday after the official announcement, shares of GoPro Inc. (GPRO) jumped nearly 6%.

As Woodman spoke of GoPro's natural progression to include UAVs, he remarked, "The quad is in some ways the ultimate GoPro accessory." With several drone pilots now mounting Hero cameras to other UAVs, GoPro decided now was the time to make this move. Prices were not discussed, but with GoPro's consumer-friendly focus, it's safe to assume the price will at least be competitive with models already on the market from 3D Robotics, Parrot, and DJI. Upon launch, Woodman also teased that other accessories will be available. What they are? The sky is only the limit.

For the full story, head over to Re/Code for the finer details.