In a recent survey, it was found that one out of every 4 Americans has uninstalled the Facebook app from his phone. It is an assumption of Facebook that people need new ways to use their various services, specifically the video calling one. To attain this feature, Facebook has introduced its very own hardware which has two versions: Facebook Portal and Facebook Portal+. Both of these devices have been made particularly for video calling so that people can connect with their friends and family who live far away from them. According to Facebook, it is going to make video calling easier and make it feel like more of a hangout.
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What is the device exactly about?
Facebook Portal is a device for video communication which is quite similar to the Amazon Echo Show. Facebook has launched two different models for this product, as mentioned above, Facebook Portal and Facebook Portal+. The designs and screen sizes vary a bit but the main focus of both these devices are video calling and give the user the feeling of sharing the same room with the person over the call.
What is the special ingredient?
The team of Facebook wanted to authorize their Messenger base and hence, it is the special ingredient for them. According to them, it is the artificial intelligence that is going to benefit in their case which is used in the camera and mic features. As you go through the features mentioned below, you will get to know how.
How does privacy work?
The video calls made through these devices are secured with an end-to-end encryption which means that the calls are not recorded. Though you can view the list of whom you called, who called you, and other time details. One of the best parts is that no ad will disturb you while you are on your device.
The portal will capture video and record sound only when it is asked to do so. Also, it does not process any other conversation taking place around it when it is not engaged because this tactic might kill the business of Facebook.
Some notable features of Facebook Portal:
There are some features which keep the Facebook Portals going on.
1. Camera and Sound feature: There is a “Smart camera”, which is located above the display of the Portal, helps in capturing the video. It also follows you around the room. The “Smart Sound” feature includes a four-mic array which cancels the noise and minimizes the background noise, enhancing the speaker’s voice. According to Facebook, it gives a feeling of having your personal cinematographer and sound crew which direct the personal video calls.
2. Voice control: Even if you haven’t used Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Show, you must have heard of the Alexa, right? Theses portals support such a feature, basically the voice control one. When you are willing to video call, someone, you need to say “Hey Portal” and then command the portal to call whoever you like. You can also check for the weather, book tickets, order groceries, and check various other services because of the built-in Amazon Alexa.
3. Facebook Messenger: Both the Facebook Portals can be used to operate Facebook Messenger. You can video call your friends and family with the help of these devices and even if they do not own a Portal, it won’t affect the call. Any device which supports the Facebook Messenger app can be contacted or used to make contacts. In a group video chat, the Portal can connect up to seven people at a time. While you are not on a call, you can view other photos and videos. It shows you which contacts are available for a video call at a particular point of time. You can get birthday reminders too.
4. Filters and Stories: Do plain video calls seem boring to you? Do not worry. Facebook has incorporated various interactive and fun filters. The augmented reality effects make the person in the call and his/her background interesting by using several stickers.
The Story feature is assimilated in order to make the stories look real with the help of customized visual and sound effects. A simple teleprompter instilled in the Sound Camera helps in viewing stories which are precisely framed. AR effects are used so that the person on the other end can enjoy watching your face and voice resemble some story’s characters.
5. Partnership with apps: The Facebook Portals have partnered with a handful of apps like Spotify Premium, Food Network, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Newsy. Facebook has promised to add some more of these. These apps and integrations are being launched just like the other smart home devices do.
Difference between Portal and Portal+:
The only major difference between both the devices is that the Portal’s screen is of 10 inches with the display of 1280×800 and the Portal+ is a bit larger than the Portal with a screen of 15.6 inches and display of 1080p. The speaker output differs too as the former has a 10W total output and the latter offers a total output of 20W.
Both the devices have a 12-megapixel front camera, four mic array, Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, and dual-band Wi-Fi.
Who is the target audience?
Keeping in mind the digital modernization going in and around the globe, there is an obvious set of professionals who have family and are eager to try new gadgets which can make their lives simpler and hassle-free. The oldies and children too can make use of this device. The former ones can use it to connect with their family members and the kids can have fun using the stickers and emojis. It is targeted towards all.
Though, the Facebook team feels that they could have targeted towards a bigger audience, after testing the device in approximately 1,000 homes. The features which the products have are very commonly found in smartphones and iPads. You can get Alexa at your house in other ways at a much cheaper rate. Due to these reasons, this product does not seem like a runaway hit.
Affordability:
The price of Portal is $199 and Portal+ is of $349 in the USA. If you buy the two of them together as a pack, you will be lucky enough to save an amount of $100.
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Where is the Facebook Portal available?
The pre-ordering has started in the US and can be ordered from various websites portal.facebook.com, Amazon, and Best Buy. The shipping starts in November. Though Facebook hasn’t yet announced when the portals will be available in other countries and what their prices will be.
