I think GoPro just wants to ever forget they even entered the drone market at this point. Most other people have, but occasionally something pops up that reminds us all how badly they failed at it. Now, more bad news as GPS issues ground the Karma while GoPro investigates.
GoPro to keep their feet on the ground and give up the drone business
Today sees GoPro release their fourth quarter 2017 report, and it’s not looking all that great for the GoPro Karma. In the midst of reporting an $80 million loss for the quarter, GoPro has announced that they’re getting out of the drone business. There’s little mention of the 300 staff they recently laid off, but the Karma will be both the first and last drone the company produce.
GoPro brings Karma drone back on sale
After random crashes, recalling the drone and making up to the buyers with free GoPro Hero 5 Black – Karma drone is back! GoPro announced the return of Karma later this year, and this “later” has come pretty soon. The drone is already available for preorders, as if nothing ever happened.
GoPro to relaunch the Karma drone later this year
For a drone surrounded in so much controversy, you think they’d rename it the GoPro Drama. From long release date delays, to falling out of the sky, and the inevitable recall, it’s not had a good time. GoPro even got to the point where they were giving away free GoPro Hero5 Black action cameras to Karma owners to convince them to return them.
GoPro have now issued a press release, though, that the Karma is set to be re-released at some point during 2017. They haven’t said exactly when that’ll be yet, just that it’ll happen sometime this year.
GoPro releases the new Karma Grip handheld stabilizer along with a 15% layoffs notice
This year has been tough on GoPro. Shortly after they had to recall their Karma drones, GoPro is shrinking. They recently announced that they are about to cut 15% of their overall workforce in order to cut operational costs. The company’s been operating at a loss and they decided to take radical measures to get back on track. A few days after this announcement, GoPro launched a new product for HERO5 and HERO4 users.
GoPro are recalling its Karma Drone due to random power loss
When GoPro announced the long awaited Karma drone, their plan was to take on DJI and beat them at their own game. Well, play has been halted completely today. Due to issues with Karma drones randomly losing power, GoPro have now issued a recall. Approximately 2,500 Karma units sold since October 23rd (basically, all of the Karmas currently out there) are affected.
GoPro do say that the power loss only happened “in a very small number of cases”, and there have been no reports of injuries or property damage as a result. But, it’s still a pretty significant risk. The last thing you want is to be flying over a mountain or lake, and suddenly have your drone drop out of the sky with no warning.
This GoPro Karma vs DJI Mavic review is incredibly painful for GoPro
GoPro Karma vs DJI Mavic has been a heated discussion. But I think that this review will end the debate. Forever. Youtuber iPhonedo took the Karma for a test drive. (or rather a crash-test drive). In a 40 minutes review he finds just about every possible bug, blip and glitch with the system. And frankly it does not seem like he is trying that hard.
This Egg Drone is a breeze of cool air in the world of Karmas and Mavics
Both DJI and GoPro announced their Mavic and Karma drones. While there are some notable differences they are both following a familiar form factor. If you are looking for something completely different, you may wanna take a look at the PowerEgg from PowerVision. I think it is kind of easy to realizes how the drone got its name, but see if you can tell for yourself ;).
The DJI Mavic Pro footage looks like a cheap HD action camera compared to the Phantom 4
For some, the image quality is going to take a distant second to ease of use and convenience. There’s no doubt that the new DJI Mavic Pro is super convenience. Fitting into a small bag, or a large pocket, it’s easy to take wherever you go. But, is that convenience going to be enough? Is it going to make Phantom 4 owners sell up and replace it with a drone that costs almost as much and doesn’t offer the same quality?
Well, for Casey Neistat, the answer is a definite yes. To satisfy some of the haters from his previous video showing off Mavic footage at a mere 1080p, Casey shot today’s video in 4K. In it, he puts the DJI Mavic Pro head to head with the DJI Phantom 4. He also includes the GoPro Karma. Ok, well, he sort of includes the Karma. He doesn’t have a Karma yet, but he does have a GoPro Hero 5 Session, which is the camera the Karma uses.
But, here’s the footage, check it out for yourself.
DJI Mavic vs. GoPro Karma
It takes a lot of balls to be in the biggest photography show in the world, have a drone ready and be silent about it. This is exactly what DJI did, and it got me wondering. GoPro announced Karma – the company’s first venture into Drones (or anything non action cam for that matter), which took a lot of press, and DJI just let it happen and did not try to steal the spotlight. They simply announced Mavic a day after the show.
You know what this feels like to me? Like those fighting movie scenes where the odds are so off, that the big guy lets the small guy throw all his punches, then plant him with one stroke. To gouge if this feeling is correct, I researched and put together a side by side comparisson of both drones, feel free to join and voice your opinion.
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