Yup... paranoia. I just read the TOS.
They don't charge for the software, and aside from mobile versions, they collect the same data I've agreed to on a dozen other bits of software. Basically, they collect data about your PC and ISP at the time you register, and user data aimed at selling you a new GoPro. They collect metadata from your files, which if your GoPro has internet connectivity, may mean they may be able to tell where you took the pics. If you upload to their websharing services, they claim the same rights to that content as any other such service provider; which they'd be fools NOT TO. ![Confused :-//](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/confused0024.gif.pagespeed.ce.5xOqKkq0Co.gif)
The desktop software doesn't collect anything that's in the files; only the metadata which it needs to work with the file. I don't care if they have that, and my Windoze Privacy settings don't allow it to collect anything not directly related to the software.
Obviously they COULD be lying about what their webservices do; but its a lot harder to lie about what the desktop software does, especially if you take even the most basic steps to lock your Privacy down.
They're obviously not saints; they are a Corporation after all. But they're not the Aunty-Christ, either.
mnem
*SMH*
"they collect the same data I've agreed to on a dozen other bits of software" doesn't mean people are paranoid, it just means being boned from several ends has become the standard. Almost all large corporations readily sell to and share data with third parties and GoPro is no exception. Take that as a positive or negative. Regardless it's not the data mining I'm most concerned about. It's needing to sign in to an app when you want to frame a shot out in the sticks where there's no internet. That's just intentionally breaking your product.
If you read and agree to their terms and it's an informed decision, it's a choice. If you read their terms and can't understand and hate them, or if you don't bother and just hate them for having terms, it's paranoia.
I never had to do any such thing with my GoPro Session; it just worked. I never wanted their software for anything except offline video editing; if you're using their studio for pics (actually, if you're using a GoPro for pics) you're wasting your time. The WiFi interface was never worth the hassle in real-time; trying to "frame a subject" within the fisheye effect of a GoPro is like trying to kill a swarm of bees with a pistol.
![Face Palm :palm:](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xfacepalm.gif.pagespeed.ic.EBDwh1hCfo.png)
I agree with having to sign in to the mobile app being BS; it never had that when I used it, and while smartphones are getting better about privacy and security, they're still just a incessant data leak in your pocket. With the app for my Session the only thing you signed into was your social media, which I cared fuck all about.
...Plus I need some time to plan a suitable mid life crisis ![Laughing :-DD](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley_laughing.gif.pagespeed.ce._hfWAz_QHO.gif)
Edit: also I spend about 4 hours on the bloody phone every day so coming home and communicating via some interactive method is not desirable.
So... you wanna get a sports car and look for some sweet young thang to distract you from the Reaper rattling his scythe at you; we dig it. If you're trying to tell us you're gonna be scarce in here, well... just don't let the screen door hit ya on yer way out!
![Wink ;)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xwink.gif.pagespeed.ic.cldandycH0.png)
mnem
Also, we expect pictures. And detailed teardowns!!! ![Laughing :-DD](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley_laughing.gif.pagespeed.ce._hfWAz_QHO.gif)