Facebook released a new video calling device to connect with your friends and family called Facebook Portal in October this year. The device which starts pricing at $199 is available for shipping in
The device comes in two variations. Portal and Portal Plus. Portal ships at$199 and Portal Plus ships at $349.
Contents
What is Facebook Portal?
Portal is a new video communication device for the home included with AI technology and Amazon Alexa integrated that makes video calling easier.
| Portal | Portal Plus | |
| Display | 10.1 Inch | 15.6 Inch |
| Resolution | 720 pixels | 1080 pixels |
| Rotation | Portal | 90 Degrees |
| Camera | 12MP Resolution 8X Zoom 140 degrees Field of View | 12MP Resolution 8X Zoom 140 degrees Field of View |
| Sound | 2 Full Range Drivers and 10W sound | Two tweeters with high-range frequency and a single 4” bass speaker |
| Mic | 360-degree beamforming input 4 Mic Array | 4 Mic Array |
The difference between the Portal and Portal Plus is a 10-inch 720p screen versus a 15.6-inch 1080p screen better speakers and 90-degree rotation.
The portal seems to be aimed at competing with Google Home and Amazon Echo though the device uses Amazon Alexa.
Features of Facebook Portal
- Hands-Free video calling powered by inbuilt AI technology
- Smart Camera stays with the action and automatically pans and zooms to keep everyone in view
- Smart Sound minimizes background noise and enhances the voice of whoever is talking,
- Connect with Facebook and Messenger Friends, no matter they have a portal or not.
- Portal offers hands-free voice control. You can start a video call simply by saying “Hey Portal” with the in-built Amazon Alexa.
- Portal also enables shared activities like listening to music together or watching some of your favourite shows through Spotify Premium, Pandora and iHearRradio.
Privacy
Facebook seems to have taken the growing concerns on privacy and it is no stranger to such hot debates. Which is why Facebook boasts that the Portal takes care of privacy aspect with several features.
You can completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap.
Camera cover for easily blocking your camera’s lens at any time and still receive incoming calls and notifications, plus use voice commands.
To manage Portal access within your home, you can set a four- to 12-digit passcode to keep the screen locked
Why Privacy is A Concern with Portal?
It is good that Portal comes with no video recording ability yet the Amazon Alexa integration ensures it listens to your calls helping Facebook get the voice data. On the positive side though having a Mic and camera cover that has a button to cut off the mic and camera.
Key difference between Portal and A Laptop or a Tablet
I know what you must be thinking. Aren’t these features already on your laptop or your iPad? That’s correct but there are some key differences.
- The smart camera follows you in the room even while walking to put you and others next to you in the frame.
- The AI technology makes possible the hands free calling
- The Alexa integration makes voice commands easier and flexible
So, What do you think about the Portal and how far this can affect your privacy? Push your feedback in the comment box.
