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Product Features
Color: Not Applicable | Size: One Size
- Control up to 50 cameras a time from up to 600'/ 180m away with the Wi-Fi Remote
- Enjoy full camera control, including ON/OFF, SHUTTER and SETTINGS control
- LCD screen mirrors your camera's status LCD screen
- Attachment strap, key ring, and charging cable included
- Waterproof to 10'/3m
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
95 of 103 people found the following review helpful
By James R.
Color Name:Not Applicable|Size Name:One Size|Amazon Verified Purchase
I use my GoPro HD Hero 2 camera every time I go mountain biking, and the WiFi BacPac/Remote seemed like it was going to add convenience and fingertip controls, regardless of if the GoPro camera is mounted on top of my helmet, or on a chest harness worn by my brother or cousin (when it's their turn to film). I had been waiting for this since I bought my GoPro HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition (2011 Model), so when it was finally available on Amazon.com in June of 2012 I ordered one up. Upon receipt the WiFi BacPac, WiFi Remote, and my HD Hero 2 camera required a firmware update before I could use any of the WiFi components (see the bottom of the review for instructions.)
THE WIFI BACPAC
The WiFi BacPac attaches to the GoPro camera just like the other premium accessories (LCD BacPac, Battery PacPac). A USB charging cable is included (it's just a standard mini-USB cable) and like the other premium accessories, GoPro includes a couple of different backdoors in the box compatible with the WiFi BacPac. The only features on the WiFi BacPac are a single power/select button and a small LCD screen with indicators for battery capacity, bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity.
THE WIFI REMOTE CONTROL
The WiFi Remote is a nice looking unit, a little over 2"x1"x0.5" in size. It features a large LCD screen, two large control buttons, a removable velcro attachment strap, removable keychain attachment, and a special USB charging cable. The two control buttons are rubberized and heavy duty, and perform the same functions as the two buttons on the GoPro camera. I liked the size of the buttons - big enough to use even with full-finger gloves on. Being waterproof to 10-feet (and thus, splash-proof as well) is a nice touch. The WiFi Remote can control up to 50 WiFi BacPac-equipped GoPro cameras at once (Hmm... might have to convince my cousin to get one for his GoPro camera!). Its large LCD screen mirrors the display on the GoPro camera - great for when you have the camera mounted somewhere that's hard to reach (or just far away).
WIFI USAGE
Using the remote is just like using the buttons and LCD screen on the GoPro camera; the LCD screen on the Remote mirrors the screen on the camera, so even if you have the camera mounted somewhere out of reach, you have full access to the camera's controls and settings. The included wrist strap is long enough to attach the Remote to my bike's handlebar or top tube. They also give you a keychain attachment for more mounting options. There is a very small, slight delay from when you push a button on the Remote to when the camera responds. It's nothing to worry about though - I'm talking "slight" as in "not instantaneous" - but only the most picky people would notice.
PRODUCT RATING
After using the WiFi BacPac for almost half a year, I realized that it might not be as useful to me as I had initially thought. Most of the time I ride using the Chesty harness, so having the WiFi Remote is redundant since I can easily reach and use the two buttons on the camera itself. My main concern with this accessory was the absence of the promised the iPhone/Android app, which at the time the WiFi BacPac waas released was slated to be released in the "Summer 2012." Without this app there isn't much reason to use the WiFi BacPac accessory since if you really want to get the camera pointing in the right direction you're better off ditching the Wifi BacPac for the LCD BacPac instead. Hopefully the iPhone app will come out soon so I can re-evaluate the product once more. Until then, I can only give this accessory a 3 star rating.
(UPDATE 10.08.12)
THE APP IS FINALLY HERE
After constant delays, GoPro finally released the initial version of the app. The app was a free download through the App Store on my iPhone 5 (initial release is only for iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, iPod Touch 4, and iPad 1, 2, 3 on iOS4.3+; no Android version yet) so I loaded it up immediately after release. My HD Hero 2 camera, WiFi PacPac, and WiFi Remote also had firmware updates, so I followed the same instructions (posted aat the botom of this review) to get all of my devices up to the current software.
With the WiFi BacPac attached to my camera, I fired up the app on my iPhone and... nothing. Turns out you first have to go into the camera's WiFi settings and set it to "Phone and Tablet". With that done, I restarted the app again... nothing - until I went into my iPhone 5's WiFi settings and switched to the WiFi BacPac. Finally, a connection was made! Every single setting available on the camera can be adjusted using the phone app. The larger phone screen allows for easier menu navigation and a "live preview" of what the camera lense is seeing - The app essentially functions the same as the WiFi Remote and LCD BacPac combined, but after playing around with the app for a couple of days there are some issues.
1. The first and most noticeable issue is video lag. Even with my iPhone 5 right next to the WiFi Bacpac, the lag time between what the camera sees and what is shown on the iPhone 5's screen is about 5 seconds. Again - this is with the phone right next to the WiFi BacPac. At about 20 feet away the lag is slightly longer, so it's safe to assume that the farther you are from the WiFi BacPac, the longer the lag time. While this affects real-time viewing, it's still good for making sure you've got your GoPro camera pointed at the right angle when it's at a remote location.
2. The second issue comes around if I want to switch remote control from my iPhone to the GoPro WiFi Remote, or vice versa. Switching the camera to accept commands from iPhone to GoPro WiFi Remote is as simple as a couple of taps on the app. Switching back from GoPro WiFi Remote to iPhone app takes more steps; first switch the camera back to "Phone/Tablet" mode using the GoPro WiFi Remote. Once you do that the WiFi Remote will no longer have control of the camera. Then on the iPhone I have to first go into the phone's WiFi settings, connect to the WiFi BacPac network, and then start up the GoPro App to regain control of the camera.
3. The third issue is the lack of certain features that were promised when GoPro advertised the app months ago. One of these features is present with the WiFi Remote but not in the app: the ability to control multiple GoPro cameras simultaneously. If I want to use multiple cameras for an action shoot, I have to revert back to the GoPro WiFi Remote for control. Another missing feature - and one that made the App a "must have" - is the ability to view or share content stored on the camera's SD card using my phone (or tablet). Thus even after the release of the app, the only way to view recorded content while out in the field is to either use the LCD BacPac (an $80 extra if you don't already have one, fortunately I do) or lug along a small laptop - not at all convenient when you're riding in the middle of nowhere.
4. There is a fourth issue, that fortunately doesn't affect me but does affect other people I know with the WiFi BacPac - so far the app is available for iOS only; anyone with an Android phone is still waiting for a product that was promised over 5 months ago.
VERDICT (App version 1.0.4.0)
So far the only gains I get from using the app over the WiFi Remote is the video preview (albeit with the current 5-second lag), and one less gadget to bring with me when I ride (the WiFi Remote). I do lose the multiple-camera contro (for now) and I still don't get the playback and sharing functions. One extra "feature" of the app is that the main screen has direct links to GoPro's "Video of the Day" and "Photo of the Day" - both realistically useless regarding the actual functionality of the app; I could do without these; if I wanted to see GoPro's video or photo of the day, I'd go to their website.
So as it stands with the initial release of the GoPro app, my 3-star rating stays put. Sure it adds features but it also subtracts features, but at least the app is free - as long as you have iOS; Android people are still out of the mix. I'm pretty sure the missing features will be available in some future software update, but judging from how late the app arrived, who knows when these features will be added? Hopefully GoPro picks up the pace on updating the app, as I don't doubt that once the app is complete it will become an awesome add-on feature to the WiFi BacPac's offerings.
UPDATE (11.27.12)
Finally got around to trying out the Android version of the GoPro app on a friend's Android phone, and it performs pretty much the same as the iOS version, including the pros and cons.
THE WIFI BACPAC
The WiFi BacPac attaches to the GoPro camera just like the other premium accessories (LCD BacPac, Battery PacPac). A USB charging cable is included (it's just a standard mini-USB cable) and like the other premium accessories, GoPro includes a couple of different backdoors in the box compatible with the WiFi BacPac. The only features on the WiFi BacPac are a single power/select button and a small LCD screen with indicators for battery capacity, bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity.
THE WIFI REMOTE CONTROL
The WiFi Remote is a nice looking unit, a little over 2"x1"x0.5" in size. It features a large LCD screen, two large control buttons, a removable velcro attachment strap, removable keychain attachment, and a special USB charging cable. The two control buttons are rubberized and heavy duty, and perform the same functions as the two buttons on the GoPro camera. I liked the size of the buttons - big enough to use even with full-finger gloves on. Being waterproof to 10-feet (and thus, splash-proof as well) is a nice touch. The WiFi Remote can control up to 50 WiFi BacPac-equipped GoPro cameras at once (Hmm... might have to convince my cousin to get one for his GoPro camera!). Its large LCD screen mirrors the display on the GoPro camera - great for when you have the camera mounted somewhere that's hard to reach (or just far away).
WIFI USAGE
Using the remote is just like using the buttons and LCD screen on the GoPro camera; the LCD screen on the Remote mirrors the screen on the camera, so even if you have the camera mounted somewhere out of reach, you have full access to the camera's controls and settings. The included wrist strap is long enough to attach the Remote to my bike's handlebar or top tube. They also give you a keychain attachment for more mounting options. There is a very small, slight delay from when you push a button on the Remote to when the camera responds. It's nothing to worry about though - I'm talking "slight" as in "not instantaneous" - but only the most picky people would notice.
PRODUCT RATING
After using the WiFi BacPac for almost half a year, I realized that it might not be as useful to me as I had initially thought. Most of the time I ride using the Chesty harness, so having the WiFi Remote is redundant since I can easily reach and use the two buttons on the camera itself. My main concern with this accessory was the absence of the promised the iPhone/Android app, which at the time the WiFi BacPac waas released was slated to be released in the "Summer 2012." Without this app there isn't much reason to use the WiFi BacPac accessory since if you really want to get the camera pointing in the right direction you're better off ditching the Wifi BacPac for the LCD BacPac instead. Hopefully the iPhone app will come out soon so I can re-evaluate the product once more. Until then, I can only give this accessory a 3 star rating.
(UPDATE 10.08.12)
THE APP IS FINALLY HERE
After constant delays, GoPro finally released the initial version of the app. The app was a free download through the App Store on my iPhone 5 (initial release is only for iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, iPod Touch 4, and iPad 1, 2, 3 on iOS4.3+; no Android version yet) so I loaded it up immediately after release. My HD Hero 2 camera, WiFi PacPac, and WiFi Remote also had firmware updates, so I followed the same instructions (posted aat the botom of this review) to get all of my devices up to the current software.
With the WiFi BacPac attached to my camera, I fired up the app on my iPhone and... nothing. Turns out you first have to go into the camera's WiFi settings and set it to "Phone and Tablet". With that done, I restarted the app again... nothing - until I went into my iPhone 5's WiFi settings and switched to the WiFi BacPac. Finally, a connection was made! Every single setting available on the camera can be adjusted using the phone app. The larger phone screen allows for easier menu navigation and a "live preview" of what the camera lense is seeing - The app essentially functions the same as the WiFi Remote and LCD BacPac combined, but after playing around with the app for a couple of days there are some issues.
1. The first and most noticeable issue is video lag. Even with my iPhone 5 right next to the WiFi Bacpac, the lag time between what the camera sees and what is shown on the iPhone 5's screen is about 5 seconds. Again - this is with the phone right next to the WiFi BacPac. At about 20 feet away the lag is slightly longer, so it's safe to assume that the farther you are from the WiFi BacPac, the longer the lag time. While this affects real-time viewing, it's still good for making sure you've got your GoPro camera pointed at the right angle when it's at a remote location.
2. The second issue comes around if I want to switch remote control from my iPhone to the GoPro WiFi Remote, or vice versa. Switching the camera to accept commands from iPhone to GoPro WiFi Remote is as simple as a couple of taps on the app. Switching back from GoPro WiFi Remote to iPhone app takes more steps; first switch the camera back to "Phone/Tablet" mode using the GoPro WiFi Remote. Once you do that the WiFi Remote will no longer have control of the camera. Then on the iPhone I have to first go into the phone's WiFi settings, connect to the WiFi BacPac network, and then start up the GoPro App to regain control of the camera.
3. The third issue is the lack of certain features that were promised when GoPro advertised the app months ago. One of these features is present with the WiFi Remote but not in the app: the ability to control multiple GoPro cameras simultaneously. If I want to use multiple cameras for an action shoot, I have to revert back to the GoPro WiFi Remote for control. Another missing feature - and one that made the App a "must have" - is the ability to view or share content stored on the camera's SD card using my phone (or tablet). Thus even after the release of the app, the only way to view recorded content while out in the field is to either use the LCD BacPac (an $80 extra if you don't already have one, fortunately I do) or lug along a small laptop - not at all convenient when you're riding in the middle of nowhere.
4. There is a fourth issue, that fortunately doesn't affect me but does affect other people I know with the WiFi BacPac - so far the app is available for iOS only; anyone with an Android phone is still waiting for a product that was promised over 5 months ago.
VERDICT (App version 1.0.4.0)
So far the only gains I get from using the app over the WiFi Remote is the video preview (albeit with the current 5-second lag), and one less gadget to bring with me when I ride (the WiFi Remote). I do lose the multiple-camera contro (for now) and I still don't get the playback and sharing functions. One extra "feature" of the app is that the main screen has direct links to GoPro's "Video of the Day" and "Photo of the Day" - both realistically useless regarding the actual functionality of the app; I could do without these; if I wanted to see GoPro's video or photo of the day, I'd go to their website.
So as it stands with the initial release of the GoPro app, my 3-star rating stays put. Sure it adds features but it also subtracts features, but at least the app is free - as long as you have iOS; Android people are still out of the mix. I'm pretty sure the missing features will be available in some future software update, but judging from how late the app arrived, who knows when these features will be added? Hopefully GoPro picks up the pace on updating the app, as I don't doubt that once the app is complete it will become an awesome add-on feature to the WiFi BacPac's offerings.
UPDATE (11.27.12)
Finally got around to trying out the Android version of the GoPro app on a friend's Android phone, and it performs pretty much the same as the iOS version, including the pros and cons.
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