Last yr , Facebook launchedPortal , its first hardware gadget , to tepid critique . Today , Facebook is examine it ca n’t take a touch and is announce three Modern Portal products : the Portal Mini , Portal TV , and a redesign Portal .
It ’s not that the Portal was a big product , per se . But follow a yr ofprivacy scandals , many reviewer questioned the wisdom of inviting Facebook into your home via a giant screen with a mike and tv camera attached to it . While the equipment worked as advertised , it was also inoperable without a Facebook account and constrained by the limited turn of available apps at launching . To be fair , if you could get past the whole secrecy thing , aspects of the Portal were actually reasonably fun to use . The Story Time AR experience was a Bronx cheer , and there ’s a reason AR filters are so popular in other apps like Instagram and Snapchat .
https://gizmodo.com/the-big-problem-with-facebook-s-portal-devices-has-noth-1830563413
The Portal Mini is meant to look a picture frame and features an 8-inch HD screen.Image: Facebook
Nevertheless , it seems Facebook is doubling down . “ We ’ve been felicitous with Portal sales , which is why we are expanding the family of products and statistical distribution internationally … ” a ship’s company spokesperson say .
What ’s dissimilar this time around ? For appetiser , the redesigned Portal and the new Portal Mini have been updated to front more like picture frames than Google Nest Hub - esque twist . The new Portal sport a 10 - inch HD presentation , while the Mini ’s measures 8 column inch . Meanwhile , the Portal television receiver sort of looks like a webcam that ’s designed to work with your TV . Instead of a freestanding gimmick , it uses your television set screen via the HDMI port . Rumors were float around that Facebook was working on aTV streaming deviceas part of the Portal family with AR capabilities , and the Portal TV is potential that equipment .
This time around , Facebook is also addressing the app problem that harry the first generation Portal . In addition to Messenger calling , you ’ll now be able-bodied to connect with friends and category via WhatsApp , which is owned by Facebook — what a coincidence . It ’s also adding Amazon Prime Video , and users can download Showtime , CBS All Access , Starz , Pluto TV , Red Bull TV , and something called Neverthink .
Facebook hath reinvented the webcam with the Portal TV.Image: Facebook
Even if Facebook is somehow unaware that no one asked for this , it is corking to remind everyone that it accept privacy seriously . For all the equipment , you may turn off the camera and microphone with a tap or a switch ; there ’s also a freestanding tv camera natural covering if you want to block the lens physically . It ’s also elucidate that the Smart Camera ( that creepy feature that tracks you like the Mona Lisa ’s eyes ) and Smart Sound ( a feature of speech that minimizes background noise ) will run topically on - gadget and not Facebook ’s servers . Meanwhile , all WhatsApp calls will be encrypt ending - to - end .
That said , Facebook does note that if you start the “ Hey Portal ” commands , the devices will send short audio recording and copy to Facebook where a “ aim team may review a sample to make [ its ] voice service smarter and more exact for everyone . ” user will also be capable to catch , see , and delete any of the voice recordings via your Facebook Activity Log , or turn off voice storage in preferences .
It ’s intemperate to imagine the unexampled Portal gadget will be hugely successful , given Facebook ’s reputation , but perhaps a yr has been enough time for consumers to put their privacy fear behind them . If that ’s you , then preorders for the devices start today . The Portal Mini will cost $ 130 , while the Portal will retail for $ 180 . The Portal TV will cost $ 150 . The Mini and Portal will ship October 15 , while the Portal boob tube is anticipate to ship November 5 .
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