GoPro Labs is the new experimental platform that the company has presented. A place from which GoPro camera users will be able to access special firmware that will allow them to upgrade their cameras and test new features before anyone else. 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 will be able to access special firmware that enables a series of new functions. These may or may not arrive in the future officially, but for the time being who dares will be able to enjoy them.
In this first experimental GoPro Labs firmware, the company allows access to two interesting novelties: ReelSteady Go and QR Code Camera Control. These characteristics usually come from the hackathons that the company carries out internally, to explore new ideas with which to improve its product in the future, as well as from the acquisition of other companies such as the person in charge of developing ReelSteady.
ReelSteady Go
Well, going back to the new experimental functions we have that ReelSteady Go is a system that optimizes stability in video recording and improves image correction. If you watch the video below, the truth is that the improvement against 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, GoPro gains the ability to read QR codes. For what? Well the idea is to create specific configurations that will be loaded into that 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
- Timelapses
- Personalize owner information
- Option to expand file size from 4GB maximum to 12GB
As you can see, these new functions are quite striking. Of course, for now the new firmware is only available for the GoPro Hero 8 Black . If you have a previous GoPro or the recent GoPro Max you will have to wait to 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 some things. The first is that these functions, being experimental, may not function properly at all. The second is that you don’t lose any of the options and functions already officially available. The only thing you get are extra features, so there is no need to worry about that.
To install the new GoPro Labs firmware , just follow these steps:
- Download GoPro Labs firmware for GoPro Hero 8 Black from this link
- Unzip the .zip file
- Insert the micro SD card of your GoPro in your computer
- Copy the new Update folder to the root of the SD card
- Remove the micro SD card and insert it into the camera turned off
- Turn on the GoPro and you will see how the update process is indicated on the screen
- When finished you will have the new firmware installed
Now you just have to go to its menu options to start taking advantage of these new functions. Those that affect the use of the QR code are explained (in English) quite simply on the GoPro website. So you can visit it to fully understand each of the options and what they contribute.
