Apple Acquires Patent for a GoPro-Like Camera System

[PhilSynowiec]

GoPro is currently the leader in the extreme-sports video photography biz and holds somewhat of a monopoly in the market. However, a new patent recently acquired by Apple might be able to give GoPro a run for its money.

First reported by Patently Apple, the publication discovered on Tuesday that Apple has acquired a patent for a GoPro-like camera system. The patent notes that the camera system would be able to mount onto server objects, such as surfboards, motorcyles, scuba masks, and more.

The patent covers multiple uses for the system, including two lenses, a remote control, as well as the ability to record sound underwater. The remote control also has the ability to put the camera system into a low-power mode after a period of inactivity.

“In some embodiments, the microphone is capable of recording sounds in air and also in an underwater environment when the digital camera is used to record underwater images. In other embodiments, the digital camera includes both a conventional air microphone as well as an underwater microphone (hydrophone) capable of recording underwater sounds.”

In the past we've seen case manufacturers create housings for iPhones, basically making the iOS device as durable as a GoPro. Although GoPro already controls a huge chunk of the market, it would be interesting to see how much of an impact Apple could make if the patent even comes into fruition.