Yes, it has a mic. Kind of loud if you're monitoring it from your phone. But you can mute it. With the service subscription, yes, the footage can be downloaded. I believe there are different tiers of storage you can buy if the basic storage option isn't enough for your needs. I think it's cyclical storage meaning if you run out of your allotment, it will start erasing the older stuff so that would put a "time limit" on your footage.

To save any video, yes, you would have to subscribe at minimum $4.95/mo. From the conversations I had, video is stored on their server and there is no way to locally record it. That was my mistake thinking I could. Camera quality/features are fine. If you own a Simplisafe system already. it's a fine addition. But it's not really a standalone.

I own the Go and I'm NOT a gamer. The Go has a basic "light saber" type controller and although I think you can get a game pad working. I've watched a Beat Saber video and it seems to me that the Rift-type controllers are more suitable to gaming. The Go does offer games but I think they're more of the "non-spacial" 2D things like a Mario Brothers or Sonic type. The Go is 3dof (three degrees of freedom) whereas the higher end devices offer 6dof like the Rift. And the Rift offers more spatial control in the three axis x,y,z as well as movement sensors. Oculus is releasing their Oculus Quest that I understand in in the middle of the two offerings BUT has the controls I think you would prefer in Beat Saber. I wouldn't personally suggest the Go for anyone seriously interested in gaming. Watching video, yes. Whacking musical notes, not so much. I actually tried a similar game, but with one controller, it's too much trying to be in two places at one time.

If you intend on doing more video than photography, this is a good choice. Excellent 4k 60 fps for slo-mo work; GoPro does 4k@30 only if I'm not mistaken. I think this has better stabilization built-in when you consider the gimbal adjustments available to go with it without accessories. This is designed to compete with the GoPro 7 which is $50 more. And both devices take excellent still shots which matches their video excellence.

If you're more interested in photography (most point-and-shoot cameras these days do video, too), you can get great shots and decent video, though the video probably won't be as good or stable as either of these two units. The gimbal on the Osmo Pocket sets it apart from the GoPro7. You can add $100's of dollars to add one to your GoPro; the Osmo has that excellent technology built in!

I really don't think you could go wrong with either except for the gimbal thing. Your choice: Am I going to do more photography than video? The Pocket's gimbal adds nothing to photography and you have a mechanism that is probably more destructible by its very nature of motorization. But if you're a videographer that takes some pics, no contest. But remember this is a "Pocket." The case provided shields the gimbal in your pocket. Want a quick video, 5 seconds boot up, gimbal set, you're ready to shoot!