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Engadget Daily: Apple and Beats, GoPro's media empire and more!
Today we discussed Apple's purchase of Beats Electronics, got a taste of GoPro's growing media empire, went hands-on with Beats' new Solo² headphones and learned about an American-made TV that sits behind your bathroom mirror. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Extreme exposure: Inside GoPro's burgeoning media empire
A sun-pinked face stares down the barrel of a surfboard-mounted camera. Mountain biker, Sam Pilgrim, is gently floating in crystal-clear water. Behind him, a backdrop of cotton-wool clouds and bright blue sky. This idyllic setting could describe any number of surf videos shot with GoPro's rugged action camera, but this one is different. Pilgrim gazes up from his board, then impulsively, inexplicably bails into the ocean. Almost in the same moment, an outrigger canoe bursts into shot over the camera -- right where Pilgrim would have been had his reactions been a millisecond slower. Pilgrim is a pro athlete, but surfing's not his sport. The moment is genuine, but the circumstances that make it possible are planned. This close shave took place at GoPro's recent Athlete Summit in Hawaii, and it's videos exactly like this that the company is hoping will transform it from camera maker to media outlet, as it files for its IPO.
GoPro files for an IPO to grow its media empire
Look, it was no surprise that GoPro has been planning to go public for a while now -- it said as much back in February. Things are finally getting officially official, though: the company just filed its S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, so you can expect to see the ticker symbol GPRO on NASDAQ in due course. There's no shortage of financial types digging through the document as we type (bits to note: the company managed to turn a pretty profit last year, and it shipped a net total of nearly 4 million cameras in 2013), but the story is clear -- GoPro is a big deal, and it's going to get even bigger.
GoPro's Android app now connects to your action cam automatically
GoPro's smartphone apps have been a useful addition to its popular action cams for quite some time, and now the Android version sees a nice update. First, and most importantly, the app now automatically connects to your camera's WiFi signal on launch, nixing a visit to the settings menu as your first stop. Sharing is easier as well, as those captured stills and videos can now be beamed to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social repositories directly from your mobile device. There's also an updated UI for those wielding version 4.0 or later of Google's mobile OS and the ability to have the app set the curated Photo of the Day as your wallpaper. Haven't been alerted to version 2.4 yet? Well, jump down to the source link to nab the download now.
Drones help find World War II's missing soldiers
The BentProp Project has spent years finding American soldiers who went missing in the Pacific during World War II, but available technology has limited its success. Team members have frequently had to scan wide areas themselves, slowing down their efforts to find downed aircraft and unexploded bombs that might hide human remains. However, the outfit's searches have just taken a big step forward after it got cutting-edge drones from both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of Delaware. BentProp can now automate much of its scanning, and CNET notes that the organization's latest expedition found two Navy airplanes. That's a breakthrough for a group that only occasionally makes a big discovery.
Upload gameplay to YouTube on Xbox One tomorrow, 360 gets GoPro app
Microsoft is updating the YouTube app on Xbox One to allow players to upload gameplay clips directly to the video platform starting tomorrow. The app will integrate with the Game DVR and Upload services already present on the console; players will just need to enter the system's settings, select "Share game clips" and then "Share on social network" to access the YouTube upload option. Additionally, the updated app will allow users to view YouTube videos in snap mode, add them to Pins, add channels to OneGuide and earn media achievements on Xbox One. Microsoft also announced the GoPro app for Xbox 360, which allows users to "stream and curate" videos created using the brand of high-definition personal cameras. GoPro app users will also be able to purchase cameras within the app through Microsoft's online store. The app will require an Xbox Live Gold subscription. The Xbox One's trek into the livestreaming and video sharing realm was marked by the addition of Twitch broadcasting in March, which saw 108,000 broadcasters in the first week. While having the ability to upload content to YouTube directly will be ideal for many users, one hopes that the history of gameplay videos being flagged by the platform's Content ID Match system doesn't prove to be an issue. [Image: Microsoft]
GoPro Channel with exclusive content launches on Xbox 360 tomorrow
Back in January, GoPro tipped us off that it was bringing a dedicated channel to Xbox 360 and Xbox One. At the time, we didn't really have much more info, other than it was a port of the company's existing offering that had been entertaining Virgin America customers since last fall. Today Tomorrow we get to see it for real. Well, that's if you're an Xbox 360 owner -- because as promised it's landing there first. If you're an Xbox Live Gold subscriber, then you're basically all set, ready to enjoy some of the exclusive content that GoPro is slinging onto the channel by means of launch celebration (teasers for which, are after the break). As well as viewing curated GoPro videos, users will also (handily) be able to purchase cameras and accessories without even putting down the controller, including the exact kit used in that particular video. While there's still no word on when it will land on the latest generations Xbox (other than "summer"), we're fairly confident you'll be able to view your fave triple cork videos on even more devices and platforms by the end of the year. Update: Looks like the curtain actually goes up tomorrow, not today! Just 24 more hours.
GoPro's new Blackout housing is ideal for shooting those covert operations
Still mounting your GoPro on a helmet? Get with the times. There's like, a zillion other ways to mount that thing. Your choice is getting even bigger, too, as the action-cam behemoth has just announced a new "Blackout" housing ($49). As the name suggests, this is all about stealth filming. The dark, matte-finish case not only hides the shiny silver camera, but it also conceals all the LEDs, making it ideal for situations where lights or reflections can ruin a shot (such as startling wildlife). Bonus: It's also waterproof to over 130 feet. If you prefer to show your GoPro off in all its glory, then maybe the updated "Frame" housing is your thing ($39). As before, it's a minimal frame-like housing, but with the ports exposed for easier access. A new latch mechanism also makes it easier to lock in and release the camera. Lastly, remember that funky dual-case that allowed two Hero HD cameras to be combined for 3D footage? Well, a new version of that is incoming too, updated for the Hero 3 and Hero 3+ models. No price and date on that, but hopefully you'll have enough time to save up for a second camera to go along with it.
Compact 'Stubilizer' could smooth out your GoPro footage
Though GoPro cameras excel at capturing your insane escapades, the resulting shaky footage is not what we'd call production-ready. Now an inventor named Stuart Smith is looking to smooth things out with his self-named Stubilizer, a kind of mini-Steadicam designed for the GoPro's mount. Thanks to the small size, you can attach it almost anywhere you'd normally put a GoPro -- like on a helmet or vehicle, for instance. Despite the size, it seems to excel at drastically improving shaky video (shown after the break) even when you're running. Smith has launched three versions on Kickstarter, the Solo, Duo and Pro, which run £149, £199 and £299 (about $250, $340 and $500), respectively. All three use gyroscopes and motors to steady footage, with the Solo helping roll only, the Duo adding the pitch axis and the Pro stabilizing all three: pitch, roll and yaw. If you're interested in pledging, you can hit the source -- just keep in mind the extra risk to your neck with such helmet-attached devices.
Weekly Roundup: Comcast acquiring TWC, the Galaxy S 5 and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Daily Roundup: House of Cards season 2, hands-on with Fujifilm's X-T1 and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
GoPro's IPO isn't about selling cameras, it's about creating a media empire
It was 2001, more than a decade before GoPro would announce its intentions to go public, and its CEO Nick Woodman was facing a very expensive failure. In just two years, he'd lost nearly $4 million of investors' money, building a social gaming startup that never took off. Unfortunately for him, he'd arrived at that particular party a little too early, and by his own admission Funbug (as it was called) was "before its time." With fingers burnt, Woodman decided to get away for a little surfing, and to figure out what he was going to do next. The answer would come during preparations for that trip. He came up with the idea for a waterproof stills camera that he could use to take close-ups of himself and his friends right in the middle of the action. The years that followed would see that humble idea spawn something of an empire.
GoPro files for IPO to become publicly traded company
It's safe to say GoPro's camera business is quite successful -- and there are plenty of things which prove this to be the case. Still, GoPro doesn't want to stop there, so much so that it has now started the process to take its (adventurous) efforts to the next level. The company, which is based out of San Mateo, California, recently announced it has formally filed for IPO, indicating that it will be maturing into a public company pretty soon. We can expect more details once the SEC finishes reviewing all the confidential paperwork -- for now, the official statement from GoPro is right after the break.
Experience life as a rugby player with an Oculus Rift, nine GoPros and zero bruises
The Oculus Rift's impact on gaming is obvious, but it's not hard to imagine how the virtual reality headset could change how we consume home entertainment as a whole. UK mobile network O2 and the England rugby team know this, and have collaborated to create an immersive experience to prove it. Recorded using nine GoPro Hero 3 cameras on a custom gimbal, the footage sees you on the training pitch with the team, where you get stuck right in the middle of the action, and burpee along, right next to the players. While this is mostly part of a broader promotion for the sport's six-nations tournament in Europe, you can bet your bottom 100 cents that we're going to see a lot more of these "experiences" going forward. We're getting the hairdryer out for the inevitable skydive one already.
Super Bowl 2014 ad roundup: '80s stars raid a RadioShack, bears dance with Ellen and more
If you were one of those 110 million who tuned into this year's Super Bowl, you probably have some thoughts on those ads -- ads that cost a whole load of cash. This year, we had the predictable heart-tug from a soda brand, a shirtless Brooklyn Nine-Nine star singing along with the Muppets and a reunion with the boys of Full House over a cup of Greek yogurt. But since this is Engadget, let's start with what we know best: tech.
Watch Felix Baumgartner's epic jump all over again in GoPro's Super Bowl commercial
Remember when Felix Baumgartner had the world on the edge of its seat with his daredevil Red Bull Stratos jump? Well, if you don't, and you're watching the big game this weekend, you'll likely get a good reminder thanks to a new GoPro ad. The 30 second spot shows some of the footage caught with its HD Hero 2 cameras, but is merely tease. The main event? A freshly uploaded 8-minute mini-documentary that recaps the ambitious jump from start to finish. After the break you can watch the tense moment when Baumgartner complains that he might pass-out, and then have your stomach gently return from your throat with relief at him finally, safely deploying his 'chute. The only thing is, after all that, the game might seem a little... tame?
Xtreme: GoPro sports app coming to Xbox 360, Xbox One
The folks behind GoPro will launch an extreme sports channel on Xbox 360 and Xbox One, our sister site Engadget has learned. The app will make its debut on Xbox 360 before Xbox One, a representative told Engadget at CES today, though there is no established timeframe for the app's launch on either platform. GoPro high-definition cameras are a favorite for adrenaline seekers. They are categorized as being lightweight and rugged, and are easily mounted to vehicles or worn by individuals. One of Engadget's reporters wore one for an entire day while at CES this week. The GoPro sports channel is currently available on Virgin America flights, so if you've flown with Virgin recently you may have some idea of what to expect in terms of content.
GoPro to launch extreme sports channel on Xbox One and 360
GoPro is about to unleash its unique brand of action sport videos on Xbox Live for both the Xbox One and 360. We asked GoPro if it had further details on when the channels would be available, but apparently that date hasn't been confirmed yet. All we do know is that the channel will come to 360 first, before making the hop over to its younger brother. If you fly Virgin America, you can actually get the channel right now, but that's perhaps a little less convenient than shouting "Xbox on" when you need an instant adrenaline fix. Missed our CES stage interview with GoPro creative director Brad Schmidt? You can catch it in full here.
Live from the Engadget CES Stage: GoPro Creative Director Brad Schmidt
GoPro's Creative Director Brad Schmidt may have the coolest job description ever. He'll join us on-stage to talk about the space-defining success of his company's little action camera. January 8, 2014 1:00:00 PM EST Follow all the latest CES 2014 news at our event hub, and check out our full stage schedule here.
Insert Coin: capture 360-degree video with DLSRs and GoPros, viewable on an Oculus Rift
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Turning around is for suckers. Just screw a GP360 onto the front of a DSLR, GoPro or other video camera, and you can capture 360-degree video or stills. You can watch the video on your computer or mobile device or upload it to the Eye Mirror site for sharing. Pretty snazzy, no? The GP360's makers assure us that the add-on is rugged, too. They've tested it at down to 60 meters diving, in Arctic conditions and at up to 160 miles per hour while skydiving. Sounds like a pretty gig at the end of the day. The project's Kickstarter page has a lot more information, including links to some interactive demos that let you scroll around the aforementioned 360 degrees while the video plays. Pledge $196 and you can score a GP360 of your very own - or heck, if all you want is someone to talk to, $33 will get you the personal phone numbers of the guys behind the project. Previous Project Update: Looks like the GPS Cookie did just fine, thank you very much. The journey tracking device scored almost $30,000 out of a $7,500 project goal.
