Facebook is going to release a smart speaker with screen called ‘Facebook Portal’. The device is primarily intended for video calls. The company is releasing a 10″ and a 15″ variant.
According to Facebook, there will be two versions. The regular Portal will have a 10″ screen with 1280×800 pixels and the Portal+ a 1080p screen of 15″. The camera tracks movement and automatically zooms in and out. The Smart Sound program focuses on voices, while at the same time filtering out background noise as much as possible. Portal has its own voice assistant, but Amazon’s Alexa is also standard.
Portal supports music apps like Spotify and Pandora. There is also an app for augmented reality, Story Time. This application allows the user to use sound effects and visuals in conversations. To display photos on the device, there is Superframe, which can serve as a birthday calendar, among other things. For the rest, Portal can connect to Facebook and Messenger.
Facebook provides a camera cover so that users can guarantee their privacy at this point. The camera and microphone can be turned off with a touch. In addition, the device applies encryption to all recordings. Voice control history can be cleared and Portal only activates itself according to Facebook when the user says “Hey Portal”.
Last month there were already rumors about the announcement of the Portal. It is not yet known what the euro price of the Portal will be and when the smart speaker will be released. In the US, the Portal will retail for $199 and the Portal+ for $394. There will also be a bundle with two Facebook Portals for $298.