GoPro Karma issues, updates: Firmware fix arrive very soon to address glitch preventing camera drones from flying

Many GoPro Karma users greeted the new year with quite a dilemma as their camera drones suddenly do not fly. The good news is GoPro has finally recognized the issue and identified what has been causing the glitch, allowing them to come up with a firmware update promised to arrive very soon.

GoPro recognizes issue on Karma drones; Promises fix soon

The company addressed affected customers in a statement on Monday, offering the official explanation on what has been causing the GoPro Karma issue. GoPro confirmed the problem is linked to the World Magnetic Model – an essential factor allowing GPS and other navigational systems to provide accurate locations and positioning.

Simply put, the camera drone needs to be updated to be compatible with the latest navigational information. GoPro added that the glitch likely kicked in as the new year began. This also explains why, since last week, many GoPro Karma users have been complaining of experiencing the same issues. Some have not been able to start their camera drones, while more users confirm they have also not been able to calibrate the compass or get any GPS service.

GoPro confirmed on Monday that its engineers are already testing a firmware update that they promise to release “within the week.” As of this writing, the company has yet to release the patch, but the company advises Karma users to follow its blog post for further updates.

The GoPro Karma, launched in February 2017, was not the company’s first grand attempt at entering the consumer-level camera drone business. In January 2018, however, the company announced a massive global layoff along with ending its drone ventures. In an interview with Gear Junkie at the CES 2020, it appears that GoPro founder Nick Woodman did not have a clear answer to whether they would revive the Karma lineup.

GoPro at CES 2020: Company highlights HERO8 Black mods at consumer tech trade show

GoPro graced the CES 2020 affair earlier this week with the preview of the upcoming Media Mod and Display Mod along with the readily available Light Mod. These are the company’s latest accessories announced following the release of HERO8 Black last fall.

The Light Mod arrived in stores last month as it can be used independently on the GoPro HERO8 Black or other photo and video devices. The Media Mod pre-orders started last Tuesday while the Display Mod will be available in March.