Apple patents show a GoPro rival could be its next product category after the Watch
GoPro looks like it has wearable action cameras locked down but a lot could change in the next 12 months. CES 2015 saw the launch of new lifelogging and sports cams such as the Narrative Clip 2 and Ion SnapCam as well as the wearable camera drone Nixie proving it can fly.
Essential reading: How to choose the best wearable camera
Even more worrying for GoPro is a 2012 Apple patent for a wearable camera system, unearthed by Patently Apple. The patent, which was amended to include IP from Kodak in 2013, gives details of a camera system that can shoot stills and video, be attached to bike helmets and scuba masks with wireless connectivity and a separate remote control module.
The patent specifically namechecks GoPro, stating that “the HD Hero2 camera includes only a single image capture system, which captures images using an optical axis directed outward from the ‘front’ of the camera. This can cause excessive wind resistance and presents a high profile that is more susceptible to damage and image artefacts from vibrations in some situations.”
It also noted that Apple’s potential action camera should have a “conventional capture mode, where the digital camera is held by the user” as well as a “streamlined mounted mode”.
Read more: GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition review
Late in 2014, Wareable reported that CCS Insight’s Predictions for 2015 and Beyond suggested Google will buy GoPro in 2015. “GoPro has excelled in the video and image capture market but is currently facing increased competition from new players and products,” read the prediction.
“Google provides further investment and exploits GoPro’s brand, technical expertise and devoted users to advance Google Glass. It also invests in cloud storage and video processing services for GoPro owners.”
With evidence that Apple is at least looking into the field maybe it’s time for GoPro to start wooing.
