The program focuses on three things: mobile apps, mounting hardware and interoperability with other physical products. The company envisions using mobile apps and third-party devices -- leveraging either the wired HERObus or Bluetooth connectivity -- to control a GoPro camera directly or, as in the case of Periscope, broadcast what the camera is currently recording. For mounting hardware, expect to see an explosion of new and interesting ways to affix GoPros to other objects.

The company has already enlisted more than 100 companies in the program including FisherPrice, which has designed a kid-friendly camera housing, and BMW, which built an app that tracks the car's telemetry data and syncs that data to the camera's video feed. Now enthusiast drivers can see exactly what is happening under the hood while they're fishtailing around curves.

Along with the launch of the Developer Program, GoPro has launched a product verification system called Works With GoPro.