What goes around finally came around – Recall complete. Now GoPro Karma is more than a drone – It’s a complete video stabilization system.
On February 1, 2017 GoPro announced the company’s drone and versatile stabilization solution, Karma, is now on sale at GoPro.com and select U.S. retailers. Initial shipments will be limited but production is expected to ramp quickly. Karma will be available in international markets in the Spring. GoPro voluntarily withdrew Karma in November 2016 after a small number of cases where batteries disconnected during flight, resulting in a loss of power.
Since then, GoPro identified the issue as related to the latch mechanism which secured the drone’s battery. A redesigned battery latch has been incorporated into the updated Karma drone to solve the issue. GoPro told Ace+ Media that they are now completing its testing of the device, which was one of the most heavily anticipated gadgets of 2016.
The company has faced major scrutiny in the previous fiscal quarter for under performing and poor delivery of the highly anticipated drone products. Analysts are thinking the next move is either going to make it, or break it for GoPro. After they were already delayed, then they practically forfeited their opportunity to get into the drone market before it’s saturated. Albeit, Karma is more than a drone.
“Karma is the ultimate aerial, handheld and wearable stabilization solution for the GoPro community. As the consumer drone market continues to grow, Karma delivers the most versatile solution at a very accessible price.” – Nick Woodman, Founder and CEO
Already, the GoPro community is hearing rumors about getting a Flight Kit for users who purchased the Karma Grip alone. Fourth quarter FY16 financial results are geared for first week of February shortly after the market closes on February 2, 2017. With 15% of its workforce slashed in November 2017 and currently facing stock dips, there is still a major silver lining which is the value proposition that every GoPro customer has been waiting for.
GoPro made several valiant adjustments to the drone and gimbal products that are worth mentioning. Maximum flight distance has increased to 3km, and the GoPro Passenger app is already receiving updates. The PLUS beta program is ramping up and should be available within the following season. Expect bigger announcements to come immediately after the fiscal announcement on February 2, 2017.
Karma is available in the following bundles:
- Karma without a GoPro camera for $799.99 MSRP
- Karma bundled with HERO5 Black for $1099.99 MSRP
- Flight Kit for Karma Grip owners available in April for $599.99 MSRP. (This is a flight solution for consumers who purchased Karma Grip as a stand-alone accessory).
You can take the stabilizer from the drone, attach it to the included Karma Grip and capture footage on the ground, handheld and body mounted. Throw everything in the case and take Karma with you while you’re snowboarding, running with the kids and more.
AVAILABLE NOW
Shot 100% on the HERO5® camera from http://GoPro.com.
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