Latin America. After Facebook's foray into technology manufacturing was rumored for several months, the company officially launched Portal and Portal+, its new video calling hardware.
Portal relies on artificial intelligence to make video calls easier. The two system options are Portal with a 10-inch 1280 x 800 display, and 15-inch 1920 x 1080 Portal+.
Portal's smart camera and smart sound technology take all the guesswork out of video calling, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable, hands-free experience. The smart camera stays with the action and automatically turns on and off so everyone is in sight. Smart Sound minimizes background noise and improves the speaker's voice, no matter where they move.
The new system allows you to call Facebook friends and connections in Messenger even if they don't have a 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 by simply saying "Hello Portal" and writing down who you would like to call. Portal also has Amazon Alexa built in, so you have access to a robust voice experience for requesting sports scores, checking the weather, controlling smart home devices, ordering groceries, and more.
In terms of security, the camera and microphone can be completely deactivated with a single touch. Portal and Portal+ also come with a camera cover, so you can easily lock your camera lens at any time and still receive incoming calls and notifications, in addition to using voice commands.
Facebook clarified that it does not listen, see or preserve the content of Portal video calls. Conversations are held between you and the people you call. In addition, video calls on the Portal are encrypted, so your calls are always secure.
Portal also allows shared activities such as listening to music or watching some programs. It is associated with Spotify Premium, Pandora and iHeartRadio, as well as Facebook Watch, Food Network and Newsy, and will soon add more.
They also incorporated augmented reality (AR) effects, powered by the Spark AR platform, to make calls even more fun and interactive. Story Time brings stories to life with custom sound effects and visual effects. The smart camera helps you read a funny story through a simple, perfectly framed teleprompter, while on the other side they watch as their face and voice transform into the characters in the story.
And when you're not on a call, the Portal's Superframe can display favorite photos and videos and important notifications like birthday reminders.
Portal and Portal+ are available for pre-order in the United States, on Facebook in portal.facebook.com, as well as on Amazon and Best Buy, and will begin shipping in November.
