Industry

GoPro to expand into AI and defense via $285 million deal with Starman Optical

GoPro said it signed a final merger agreement with privately held photonics company Starman Optical to expand into AI data centres and the defense market. Under the deal, Starman Optical will take a 90% stake and existing GoPro shareholders will hold 10%. Shareholders will receive $285 million in cash, or $1.14 per share. GoPro shares jumped 38% after the announcement and will remain listed on Nasdaq after closing, expected by year-end.

Industry

Insta360, Viltrox show signs of moving into mirrorless cameras, could shake Japan-led market

Chinese companies are emerging as new variables in the mirrorless camera market dominated by Japanese brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. Insta360 has formalised plans to develop its own mirrorless cameras, with its CEO saying it is working on 2 models. Lens maker Viltrox is also drawing attention after joining the L-Mount Alliance and reports about new APS-C L-mount lenses fuel speculation about a camera body, though it has made no official announcement.