GoPro unveiled its new developer program on April 14, Thursday as the company hopes to connect its action cameras to third-party devices, cars, and services. The company has teamed up with several companies including toymaker Fisher-Price, and automakers BMW and Toyota. GoPro announced its developer program at a private event in San Francisco.
Earlier this year GoPro shared a partnership with Twitter's Periscope app. After the action camera is linked to an iPhone it can detect the video-streaming Periscope app then allow users to record and share their environment with a live audience.
GoPro also introduced a mount for kids' toys made by Fisher-Price that gives parents the ability to capture milestones from the child's view. BMW is also developing a lap timer app that connects to GoPro cameras, and Toyota has agreed to put action cam mounts on its 2016 Tacoma. There are also add-ons for tracking vital statistics when doing extreme activities such as skiing and parasailing.
The action camera company has also showed off a Jedi-like camera control system. It can be used when motorcycle gloves prevent people from operating the camera app, according to Tech Crunch.
GoPro CEO Nick Woodman noted in a statement that the Developer Program allows the company to celebrate the work of developers and help to build future products. The company is excited to support their work by providing developer toolkits, according to The Verge.
GoPro shares that over 100 companies are now participating in the program. It has quietly been adding to the number of partners during the past year.
The goal is to increase the GoPro cameras' influence and sales as the company's Q4 earnings posted in February showed a 31 percent year-over-year drop in revenue.
GoPro has discovered that action camera owners usually do not buy a new model every year like iPhones. However, new apps and accessories could draw in new users, boost use among current owners, and encourage GoPro fans to upgrade to the newest model.
The company has also unveiled a "Works with GoPro" badge. This will make it easier for action camera owners to find electronics that work with their models.
Here's BMW's GoPro app: