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Facebook on Monday announced the release of Portal and Portal+, two new video communication devices for family and friends to easily connect.
The social media giant said, with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Portal makes video calling easier and more like hanging out, while a widescreen display let users enjoy every moment together.
With a 10-inch 1280 x 800 display, Portal from Facebook improves video calling and lets you enjoy quality time with family and friends, in hands and distraction free mode.
The Portal+ is a larger screen option of 15-inch 1920 x 1080 for more flexibility.
“Both models are designed to help you feel closer to the important people in your life and make video chats feel less like a call, and more like you’re actually in the same room,” Facebook stated in a blog post.
However, with different brands of similar technologies already in the market that can do the video-calling job of Portal and Portal+, what is the need for the new devices from Facebook?
Intelligent Design, Invisible Tech
Powered by AI, Portal’s Smart Camera and Smart Sound technology take all of the guesswork out of video calling, letting you enjoy a more convenient, hands-free experience.
Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen or chasing the kids around the living room, 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, no matter where they move. It’s like having your own cinematographer and sound crew direct your personal video calls.
Connect with Facebook and Messenger Friends
You can call Facebook friends and connections on Messenger even if they don’t have Portal. Calls can be made to and from Messenger-enabled smartphones and tablets. Portal supports group calls of up to seven 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” and noting who you’d like to call. Portal also has Amazon Alexa built in, so you have access to a robust voice experience to ask for sports scores, check the weather, control smart home devices, order groceries, and more.
Built with Privacy + Security in Mind
Facebook knows that privacy and security are important when new technology comes into the home. That’s why the social media firm has designed Portal with tools that give users control to completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap.
https://www.facebook.com/facebook/videos/320275651886768/
Portal and Portal+ also come with a camera cover, so users can easily block camera’s lens at any time and still receive incoming calls and notifications, plus use voice commands. Users can also manage Portal access by setting up a four- to 12-digit passcode to keep the screen locked. Changing the passcode requires Facebook password.
Immersive Experiences
Facebook has enabled in Portal and Portal+ shared activities for users to listen to music or watch some of favorite shows together. To bring about enhanced functionality, Facebook partnered with Spotify Premium, Pandora, and iHeartRadio, as well as Facebook Watch, Food Network and Newsy.
The tech firm is also incorporating augmented reality (AR) effects, powered by Spark AR platform, to make calls even more fun and interactive.
Story Time brings stories to life with custom sound effects and visuals. Smart Camera helps users read a fun story via a simple teleprompter, perfectly framed, while loved ones on the other side watch as users’ face and voice transform into the story’s characters.
And when a user is not on a call, Portal’s Superframe can display favorite photos and videos and important notifications like birthday reminders, so users always feel a little more connected to closest family and friends.
Portal and Portal+ are available for pre-order in the US at $199 USD and for $349 USD respectively with shipping expected to begin in November. A bundle of two Portal devices will be priced at $298 USD. The devices are expected to be available globally.
Are Portal and Portal+ worth it or just some other rave like Daptly’s Smart Mirror?