GoPro’s next entry in the Hero line of cameras could be a bit of a departure, according to a video demonstration leaked today.
Posted on Reddit and Vimeo by a user named Konrad Iturbe, the leaked footage allegedly shows a tutorial for the unannounced GoPro Hero 5.
Fueling the speculation is Iturbe’s claim that they found the footage tucked away in the official GoPro app under the filename, "add_camera_hero5.mp4," according to The Verge.
What’s new?
The biggest change appears to be a new, simplified touchscreen interface. Controls for the camera’s microphone, wi-fi status, and options menu can be easily accessed in a single swipe.
Also demonstrated was the process for connecting the supposed Hero 5 to smartphones, GoPro Smart Remotes, and a not-yet-unveiled system called GoPro Sniper.
Touchscreens aren’t new for GoPros – the Hero 4 Silver comes with one built-in, while the higher-end Hero 4 Black offers a touch-enabled LCD display as an accessory. However, the Hero 5 could possibly make touchscreens a standard for all versions of the upcoming action camera.
2016 is a big year for the action cam company – in addition to the Hero 5, GoPro’s Karma drone is set to launch this coming holiday, along with its £4,200/$ 5,000 Omni VR rig, which ships in exactly a fortnight.
While it’s best to take leaks with a grain of salt – easy, given it’s only eight seconds long – we still find ourselves excited to see what GoPro does to shake up its lineup for adrenaline junkies and action photographers alike.
Top Image Credit: Konrad Iturbe (via Vimeo)