GoPro, the maker of the popular HERO range of action cameras, is planning to launch a consumer drone before the end of next year, according to reports on Wednesday.
The Wall Street Journal’s sources say the company will begin selling ‘multi-rotor helicopters equipped with cameras’ which will cost between $500 and $1,000 (around £316-£632).
The launch of a drone would certainly be considered the next logical step for a company for GoPro, which has been an enabler of extreme sports for a while with its GoPro HERO range.
The newest of which, the GoPro HERO4, promises to be the best yet, allowing users to shoot 4K video at 30fps and Full HD footage at 120fps. The action cam also enables folks to shoot 8.3-megapixel stills.
Many drone users already strap cameras onto quadcopters like the AR Parrot Drone in order to capture the flight in high definition (often at differing frame rates) or to take high resolution aerial photography.
Given GoPro’s reputation and name recognition the firm would have a legitimate shot of flying straight to the top of the drone market, as they continue to become more popular with consumers.
Consumer drones use is set to grow in the coming years for uses like aerial photography, as well as home security and hobby flight.
In the corporate arena, drones are also gathering steam. Amazon is also busy in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle market as it seeks to get a Prime Air delivery service off the ground, so to speak.
Facebook is another company interested in the drone space as part of its drive to bring internet connectivity to remote areas of the world.
Would you buy a drone made by GoPro? Share your thoughts below.
Read more: Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Power Edition review
Via: Gigaom
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.