Facebook announced today that they are expanding the way families connect with each other through introducing new models for the Portal from Facebook. The new models are named Facebook Portal, Portal Mini, and Portal TV.
Portal Mini has an 8-inch HD display, and the Portal has a 10-inch HD display for video calls. The screens can also display photos and watching videos. Both the Portal and Portal Mini’s designs make it look like picture frames standing gracefully on a desk.
Facebook is calling the frame-like structure the Superframe. An adaptive display adjusts the brightness and color of the videos and photos which perfectly blends with the surrounding. The built-in speakers come in handy not only during a video call but they are also essential for listening to music.
Portal TV is a device which is placed either on top of or underneath the TV for an extraordinary video calling experience which also provides the freedom to move about the space freely without having to worry about being seen or heard perfectly thanks to Portal’s AI-powered Smart Camera.
The Smart Camera pans and zooms accordingly, ensuring the user does not miss anything from the video call while walking about. The Smart Sound minimizes the background noise for a wholesome experience. Both the Smart Camera and the Smart Sound use AI technology which runs locally.
Here Facebook appears very adamant about their privacy policy even though recent news have been witnessed to the dodgy privacy policy offered by Facebook. To rectify that, Facebook has gone overboard with security in the Portal.
The users of the Portal will have the option to turn off the camera and the microphone with a single tap. For even more security, Facebook also provides an integrated camera cover which can block the cameras.
The “Hey Portal” feature sends the recording to Facebook for them to develop it further. However, the voice notes are not stored or reviewed and the user has complete control over the storage facility of the voice notes.
The voice storage can be turned off anytime, and the interactions can be deleted in their Facebook Activity log. The ‘Hey Portal’ voice command is available in the U.S. and Canada English.
Portal will also be able to make Whatsapp call which like the Whatsapp texts will be embedded with end-to-end encryption.
Children’s stories such as the famous Llama Llama, Pete the Cat are available on Portal, and through the Portal, TV Facebook Watch content can be watched.
Portal also offers a plethora of video streaming and music apps like Amazon Prime, CBS, Pluto TV, Red Bull, Never think, Spotify with more apps coming soon. With the built-in Alexa, the Portal users can do many things handsfree.
Facebook will launch Portal in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand in addition to the U.S. and Canada. Portal and Portal Mini begin shipping from October 15 and Portal TV begins shipping starting November 5. Portal Mini, Portal and Portal TV are priced at $129 USD, $179 USD $149, USD respectively.
