GoPro Labs is the new experimental platform that the company has introduced. A place from which GoPro camera users can access special firmware that will allow you to improve your cameras and test new functions before anyone. Although that does not mean that they end up being official. If you like to experiment with new features, you should check it out. So you can install the new firmware that gives access to GoPro Labs.
What is GoPro Labs?
GoPro has introduced a new experimental platform called GoPro Labs. Thanks to it, users of a GoPro Hero 8 Black they will be able to access a special firmware that enables a series of new functions. These may or may not officially arrive in the future, but for now whoever dares can enjoy them.
In this first experimental firmware from GoPro Labs, the company allows access to two interesting novelties: ReelSteady Go and QR Code Camera Control. These features usually come out of the hackathons that the company carries out internally, to explore new ideas with which to improve its product in the future, as well as the acquisition of other companies such as the one in charge of the development of ReelSteady.
Reel Steady Go
Well, going back to the new experimental functions we have to ReelSteady Go is a system that optimizes stability in video recording and improves image correction. If you look at the video below, the truth is that the improvement compared to HyperSmooth, which already works very well, is quite striking.
QR Camera Control
The second novelty is QR Camera Control and the truth is that it would be very useful for many users in their day to day. Thanks to this, the GoPro gains the ability to read QR codes. So that? Well, the idea is to create specific configurations that will be loaded within said code. So when the GoPro reads it, it will change all the defined parameters quickly.
The parameters that it allows to establish right now are:
- Timer setting
- favorite modes
- Start or stop motion detection
- Option to start video recording when reaching a specific speed that is measured thanks to the use of GPS
- timelapse
- Personalized owner information
- Option to expand file sizes from 4 GB maximum to 12 GB
As you can see, these new features are quite eye-catching. Of course, for now the new firmware is only available for GoPro Hero 8 Black. If you have an older GoPro or the recent GoPro Max you will have to wait and see if they do something similar or not.
How to install the new special firmware for GoPro camera
Before installing the new firmware you have to know a few things. The first is that these functions, being experimental, may not work correctly at all. The second is that you don't lose any of the options and features already officially available. The only thing you get are extra features, so for that part you don't have to worry about anything.
For install the new firmware GoPro Labs you only have to follow the following steps:
- Download GoPro Labs firmware for GoPro Hero 8 Black from this link
- Unzip the .zip file
- Insert your GoPro's micro SD card into your computer
- Copy the new folder to the root of the SD card Update
- Remove the micro SD card and insert it into the turned off camera
- Turn on the GoPro and you will see how the screen indicates that the update process has started
- When finished you will have the new firmware installed
Now all you have to do is go to its menu options to start taking advantage of these new features. Those that affect the use of the QR code are explained (in English) in a fairly simple way in the GoPro website. So you can visit it to understand each of the options and what they contribute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eps1_yFU4Gk