It looks like the GoPro HERO5 has leaked out ahead of the official announcement (usually in the Sept./Oct. timeframe). Based on a video that surfaced on Reddit and later on The Verge, the HERO5 appears to feature a touchscreen display and a new connection option called GoPro Sniper.
Of course, the HERO4 Silver has a touchscreen display but the flagship HERO4 Black did not. Additionally, the lack of any connections on the rear leads to speculation of whether the HERO5 will be waterproof out of the box.
While it would be likely still need a dive house for any significant underwater adventures, it would be nice to try some snorkeling and other water sports without the bulky housing. The HERO Session offers a waterproof construction down to 33′ but the only interface option was via the sometimes-clunky GoPro app on your phone. A combo of waterproof and touchscreen features would almost certainly lead to more upgrades from existing users.
GoPro took a hard hit after the HERO Session’s flop and has been back pedaling from it in every investors’ meeting I’ve heard since. The company really needs a killer product to counter all of the GoPro killers that are coming out from every direction now. With the new Karma drone and the HERO5 on deck, maybe it has a shot of reclaiming the wow factor…