Adding to the GoPro HERO9 Black capabilities is a new ruggedized, waterproof Bluetooth remote and a slew of firmware updates that speed up wireless transfers, improve cold weather performance, and a slow motion quick button.
For content creators, the update includes better accessory support that’ll make it easier to document your life selfie style. But first, that remote…
Why did GoPro add The Remote?
If you don’t wanna randomly shout “GoPro, Start Recording” in public, or just can’t use voice commands to activate your GoPro from afar for some reason, The Remote solves your problems.
It connects to the camera via Bluetooth and straps to just about anything wrist-sized or smaller. It’s waterproof to 16ft and has a 200ft max range. And, it can control up to five cameras at once, with any mix of HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black, or GoPro MAX cameras being used.
A small screen shows you mode and settings, remaining time and battery life, and has a red indicator light so you know when it’s recording. We wish it would show what the camera’s seeing, but that might be asking a bit much for its $79.99 MSRP.
Buuuuut, if you purchased a HERO9 on their discounted subscription pricing, you’ll get 30% off MSRP, making it $56. It’s available now for the US, with global delivery starting February 2021.
Unrelated, their HERO9 Max Lens Mod and Media Mod are now (finally) showing as in stock and ready to ship, too.
What about the firmware updates?
Available now for updating your GoPro cameras via their smartphone app are firmware updates for HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black, and GoPro MAX. For the HERO9 Black, you can expect the update to give you:
- Up to 30% faster wireless transfer of content from the camera to the GoPro app
- Improved HyperSmooth 3.0 performance in cold temperatures
- A slo-mo shortcut slider button
- Improved GPS accuracy
- Support for live streaming with the Max Lens Mod, bringing Max HyperSmooth and SuperView plus in-camera horizon-lock to live streaming
- Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter support for those wanting to use external mics in lieu of the Media Mod for HERO9 Black
For the HERO8 Black and MAX, you’ll see wireless transfer speeds increase by 15% and 20%, respectively. Fire up the GoPro app and turn on your cameras to get everything up to speed today.
