
GoPro Labs is the best way for GoPro enthusiasts to try out features you simply can't get straight out of the box. In fact, since it launched in 2020, it's become our go-to beta program for superusers to access and test experimental, beyond-stock features. Using QR codes and special camera firmware, GoPro Labs makes it possible to unlock new functionality and send custom commands to GoPro cameras.
To access the GoPro Labs experience, you must manually install the (free) GoPro Labs firmware onto your camera. From there, you'll have the ability to tap into GoPro Labs and use and create QR codes to control your camera.
The most common applications for Labs QR codes are setting up cameras traps to record wildlife and pets in their natural habitat, automated sunrise and sunset time lapses or a dash cam mode that records only when a car, motorcycle or bike gets in motion.
This month, GoPro Labs rolled out the biggest update ever to the program to add fully scriptable automation by way of:
Customizable camera triggers that leverage time, location, distance traveled (GPS), altitude, scene motion, camera motion, sound level, button status, USB power, battery level, gyro, accelerometer and remote-in-range information to control your camera
Unique programming language that allowsusers to design QR codes with designated camera settings and triggers and share these easily with the broader GoPro Labs community
It is important to note that while camera triggers via QR codes were available on Labs previously, this new iteration has taken the technology to a new level. Instead of just starting or stopping capture, this can be combined with triggering a new setting or mode.
For example, imagine you want to do a TimeWarp and have it switch to Real Time whenever someone is speaking to camera, here the trigger is to change the TimeWarp recording Real Time every time the sound level is above a certain decibel. Then, when the audio levels drop, the camera automatically reverts to recording TimeWarp. This along with registering elevation, location, speed and other data collected from sensors are all examples of triggers that tell the GoPro to do something.
In other words, all the above now enables GoPro Labs users to play the role of trigger and action creator, or if this, then that, and share these new innovations to the larger GoPro Labs community directly, explains Director of GoPro Labs David Newman.
The previous [GoPro Labs] triggers were limited. You can now combine triggers and use them to start actions beyond just video capture, Newman explains. For instance, you can now start an action with motion detection and end with an altitude threshold or start a livestream or switch TimeWarp to real-time mode based on distance traveled, or an upload simply by dictating the custom trigger.'
This, plus all existing GoPro Labs technology, is also now supported on HERO11 Black and HERO11 Black Mini.
The Force Behind the Firmware
What started as access to using and creating QR codes that control GoPro camera settings has grown quickly to a dedicated contingent of beta users active on GoPro Labs forums, where they make requests, chat about features they'd like to see and share expert insights.
GoPro Labs has long since been about granting more power to our advanced and experimenting users, David says. Sometimes this is about enhanced image controls quality or longer time lapse capture-two popular use cases. And now, Labs enhanced capture triggers, like motion detection and sound level, starting a capture remotely then a desired threshold is met.
The latest installment of GoPro Labs speaks to its immense success over the past three years. With an ever-growing contingent of community members who want more innovative features, GoPro Labs has quickly become the go-to place for seeing all that GoPro cameras can do. And it's safe to say the latest GoPro Labs release is going to pave the way for unbelievable features and creations.
GoPro Labs is now supported across HERO11 Black and Mini, HERO10 Black, HERO9 Black, MAX, HERO8 Black and HERO7 Black. You can learn more about the GoPro Labs and how to install the firmware here.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
20/03/2026
Net Insight will introduce a JPEG XS solution for full IP environments at NAB Sh...
20/03/2026
LTN has expanded its technology partnership with Harmonic ahead of the FCC's...
20/03/2026
Solid State Logic will preview SSL Live V6.2 at NAB Show, booth C6907. The softw...
20/03/2026
FUJIFILM North America Corporation's Optical Devices Division has announced ...
20/03/2026
FUJIFILM North America Corporation's Optical Devices Division has announced ...
20/03/2026
TrueVisions NOW, a streaming platform in Thailand and part of the TrueVisions Group, has selected Bitmovin's Observability product for real-time video analy...
20/03/2026
Marquee Sports Network has announced distribution agreements with Hulu + Live TV and Prime Video ahead of the 2026 MLB season.
Marquee Sports Network is now av...
20/03/2026
FOR-A will exhibit software-defined and AI-driven solutions at NAB Show 2026, bo...
20/03/2026
TNA Wrestling and Eurosport India have entered into a multi-year exclusive progr...
20/03/2026
When Athletes Unlimited brought its professional women's basketball season t...
20/03/2026
In this craft interview, Rick Bernier reflects on a career that has taken him to...
20/03/2026
Lawo will announce a new product ahead of NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas, where it w...
20/03/2026
Ratings Roundup is a rundown of recent rating news and is derived from press rel...
20/03/2026
Major League Baseball (MLB) has named Polymarket as its Official Prediction Mark...
20/03/2026
With AI now the industry-wide priority, Big Tech companies are uniquely position...
20/03/2026
In-venue and creative video staffers at the professional and collegiate level ha...
20/03/2026
Abundant player mics and RF and other ground-level cameras will be used to captu...
20/03/2026
Regional site will also receive big boost in production resources, including on-...
20/03/2026
By Jessica Herndon
One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Fest...
20/03/2026
In 2021, we launched EQUAL, a program designed to address an industry reality that persists: Women artists, songwriters, and producers too often face fewer oppo...
20/03/2026
BTS' long-awaited fifth studio album, ARIRANG, is finally here. To celebrate...
20/03/2026
A new era for Kenia Os has arrived, and Spotify marked the moment by putting fan...
20/03/2026
Una nueva era para Kenia Os ha llegado, y Spotify marc el momento poniendo a lo...
20/03/2026
Combines sampling & physical modelling
Sound Magic have announced the launch of a comprehensive virtual drum instrument that's been designed to cater to...
20/03/2026
How much difference should mastering make?
In our latest Mix Rescue feature, SOS Editor in Chief Sam Inglis revisits a project from back in 2019, carrying o...
20/03/2026
Feast for cycling fans as SBS extends road cycling broadcasts to include all Gra...
20/03/2026
In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World Summit in London, where NAGRAVISION hosted a panel on content discovery and ...
20/03/2026
After a series of increases, February brought the first slowdown in time spent in front of TV sets in a long time. While traditional television was losing viewi...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
60 years of audio innovation, driven by the people who use it...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Colombia's Icesi University and WSDG are proud to announce Ronald David Reyes as the recipient of the 2025 WSDG Excellence Scholarship, awarded to an outsta...
20/03/2026
Avid today celebrated the filmmakers, editors and sound teams that worked with Avid Media Composer and Pro Tools to create the vast majority of this year'...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/03/2026
Real-time 9:16 AI-Generated Autocropping; Software-Defined Station in a Box; and Software Switcher with Unlimited Layering Are Among Show Highlights
For the fi...
20/03/2026
Signiant Showcases New Content Innovations Driving Visibility, Access, and Actio...
20/03/2026
Caffeine Relies on DaVinci Resolve Studio for End to End Post Workflow
Brie Clayton March 19, 2026
0 Comments
Blackmagic Cloud helps Mexican post faci...
20/03/2026
Friday 20 March 2026
Sky Extends Saturday Night Live UK Run to Eight Shows
Ahead of Saturday Night Live UK's launch tomorrow (March 21), Sky has confirmed...
20/03/2026
It's time to play The Money List! Baz Ashmawy is back at the helm as the qui...