GoPro’s action cameras are synonymous with innovation, consistently pushing the limits of user experience with features like live preview. This function allows users to see their cameraโs output in real-time on a connected device. Although live preview was always available, the specific capability to use it while recording was disabled in models Hero9 to Hero11 due to a patent dispute with Contour IP Holding. With the launch of the Hero12, GoPro has reinstated this functionality, rekindling discussions about technology advancements and user expectations.
*** Update (29/08/24): GoPro has enabled the live preview while recording feature on the GoPro Hero11. Please update your camera with the latest software update to enable this feature. ***
The Feature in Focus
Live preview while recording is essential for users who need to adjust framing and settings in real time, ensuring optimal control during recording sessions. This feature was specifically impacted in some GoPro models during the litigation with Contour, which alleged that GoPro infringed on patents integral to this technology.
Background on the Contour Lawsuit
The lawsuit by Contour claimed that GoPro violated patents related to remote camera operation and live footage viewing. Although GoPro faced initial legal challenges, they ultimately won, enabling them to reinstate the live preview while recording feature in the Hero12.
Hero12โs Enhanced Capabilities
The reintroduction of live preview while recording in the Hero12 has been well-received, but it also raises questions about the continued absence of this feature in earlier models.
Exclusion of Hero9 to Hero11
Possible reasons for not extending the update to older models might include:
Comparative Insight: Other Manufacturers
Interestingly, other manufacturers such as DJI, who offer similar features, have not faced the same legal challenges as GoPro. This disparity suggests that the legal issues GoPro encountered were specific to the patents held by Contour and their application. The fact that companies like DJI were unaffected by similar patent disputes raises questions about the uniqueness of GoPro’s situation and the specifics of the patent claims.
Consumer Response and Broader Implications
The selective feature reinstatement has elicited mixed reactions, illustrating the challenge companies face in balancing innovation with legal and market pressures.
Conclusion
The return of live preview while recording in the GoPro Hero12 exemplifies the intricate relationship between technological innovation, legal challenges, and consumer demand. As GoPro moves forward, the interaction between user feedback and strategic product development will be crucial.