GoPro hopes to revive fortunes with foldable Karma drone and Hero5 camera bundle
Drone receives mixed reception from tech reviewers and faces stiff competition from cheaper models from China
GoPro is taking to the sky with a much-awaited drone called Karma in the hope of lifting profits, which have been battered by competition from all sides.
The Karma drone, tailored for GoPro’s Hero 4 and improved Hero5 cameras, launches on October 23, and costs US$799.
The drone uses simple joystick and touch-screen controls, and folds easily into a padded backpack that is provided. An image-stabilising grip in the drone is designed to hold Hero cameras.
“We transformed GoPro into an end-to-end storytelling solution,” says company chief Nick Woodman.
GoPro’s much anticipated entry into the drone market comes as the California-based company strives to distinguish itself in an increasingly competitive market.
Chinese manufacturer SZ DJI Technology has been dominating the drone market, where many smaller companies producing cheaper drones are also pushing for market share.