GoPro has announced a new platform, GoPro Labs, that allows the GoPro community to start testing out experimental features they’ve been working on. GoPro says to not “think of it as a beta experience” and more as an “insider look at innovative features” that its engineers are playing with.

For the first time ever, GoPro Hero8 Black users can get early access to features that haven’t been (and may never be) released to the public. Features born at company hackathons; described as “cool enough and cooked enough to give you a taste.” For the first edition of the special GoPro Labs firmware, this includes two features: ReelSteady GO Optimization and QR Code Camera Control.

Earlier this year, GoPro acquired ReelSteady, a team of FPV drone operators and visual effects experts that have developed some of the most advanced stabilization and image correction software out there for GoPro cameras.

With the release, GoPro is offering two features for people to play with after they’ve upgraded their Hero8 Black to the new GoPro Labs firmware. First up are QR code camera settings for things like setting up time-lapses, motion detection, and remote control features. Also available is ReelSteady GO Optimisation.

“The GoPro Labs’ firmware optimizes HERO8 Black’s in-camera rolling shutter correction to be more suitable for ReelSteady GO stabilization,” explains GoPro. “This will guarantee you get the best post-stabilization out of your HERO8 Black.”

The QR Codes for camera control in the GoPro Labs firmware update is exactly what it sounds like. By creating custom QR codes with embedded commands, GoPro HERO8 Black owners can add new functions to their action cam without the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Below are a few examples of features you can tweak via QR code:

• Camera scripting – customizable camera controls such as capturing a timelapse in daylight only.
• Save favorite modes as a visual preset or QR code.
• Wake up timer for remote start recording.
• Motion detection start & stop – only capture footage when there is movement.
• Speed detection start & stop – use GPS to start capturing footage at a defined speed.
• Personalize your GoPro with owner information.
• Larger chapter files – 4GB chapters will increase to 12GB.

Of course, these two features are only the beginning. More experimental features and updates will be released to GoPro Labs superusers in the future.

More info on GoPro’s website.