The camera maker GoPro is doing its best to gain traction after having to lay off seven percent of its workforce. The layoffs probably came about because most consumers, once they have bought a GoPro, will not purchase the next best model mainly due to the fact that it is a good product and once you have it you generally do not need another.
It seems they are trying to counter this issue by integrating the GoPro for use with streaming!
GoPro have teamed up with Periscope, the livestreaming app from Twitter. Current owners of the GoPro HERO4 will now be able to broadcast their action footage live directly to Periscope.
So, if you are the lucky one who has both the GoPro HERO4 and an iPhone then all you will need to do is pair the device with the phone. Once this is done the camera will recognise the Periscope app and then allow the user to both record and share their exploits with a live audience. The GoPro can still record as normal for later viewing while streaming.
The cameras, which are popular with physically active user in sports such as skiing and surfing for example, also enabled broadcasting on Periscope competitor Meerkat last year. GoPro also have a product called the HEROCast; a wireless transmitter which is geared more towards professional broadcasters.
Twitter recently announced that it will be integrating Periscope into Twitter feeds. The company claim that over forty years of video is watched on Periscope every day. Livestreaming has been picked up by the younger audience and is now a much more popular medium for them than normal TV, so watch this space!
GoPro expect to report their earnings next Wednesday and Twitter will report on February 10.