This article was first published on our sister Site, Digital World Native.
Facebook (FB) has announced the launch of Portal & Portal+, 2 video communication devices for the home.Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, Portal, with a widescreen display, makes video calling easier.
Facebook Portal launch is its 1st-ever foray into hardware. With a 10-inch 1280 x 800 display, Portal from Facebook is handfree. Users may also opt for a 15-inch 1920 x 1080 pivoting display with Portal+. Both models are designed to make video chats feel less like a call, & more like you’re actually in the same room, as FB put it.
Portal and Portal+ are available now for pre-order in the US – from FB at portal.facebook.com, as well as Amazon & Best Buy – and will begin shipping in November. You can bring Portal home for US $199 & Portal+ for US $349.
Intelligent Design, Invisible Tech
Powered by AI, Portal’s Smart Camera and Smart Sound technology take all of the guesswork out of video calling.The Smart Camera stays with the action and automatically pans & zooms to keep everyone in view. Smart Sound minimizes background noise & enhances the voice of whoever is talking, no matter where they move.
Connect with Facebook & Messenger Friends
You can call Facebook friends & connections on Messenger even if they don’t have Portal. Calls can be made to & from Messenger-enabled smartphones & Tablets. Portal supports group calls of up to 7 people at the same time.
Voice Control + Alexa
Portal offers hands-free voice control. You can start a video call simply by saying “Hey Portal” & noting who you’d like to call. Portal also has Amazon Alexa built in, so you have access to sports scores, check the weather, control smart home devices, order groceries, etc.
Built with Privacy + Security in Mind
Privacy & security is what we care about the most when new tech is introduced, right? Here’s what FB says about Portal & security:
- You can completely disable the camera & microphone with a single tap.
- Portal and Portal+ also come with a camera cover, so you can easily block your camera’s lens at any time & still receive incoming calls & notifications, plus use voice commands.
- To manage Portal access within your home, you can set a 4- to 12-digit passcode to keep the screen locked. Changing the passcode requires your Facebook password.
To learn more about Portal’s privacy features, visit portal.facebook.com/privacy.
Immersive Experiences
Portal also enables shared activities like listening to music together or watching some of your favorite shows. For this, FB has partnered with Spotify Premium, Pandora, & iHeartRadio, as well as Facebook Watch, Food Network & Newsy.
FB is also incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) effects — powered by Spark AR platform — to make calls even more interactive. Story Time brings stories to life with custom sound effects & visuals. Smart Camera helps you read a fun story via a simple teleprompter, perfectly framed, while your loved ones on the other side watch as your face & voice transform into the story’s characters.
Visit portal.facebook.com for more information.
Image Credit: Facebook