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Facebook has refreshed its Portal device line-up with new devices that have been named simply as Portal and Portal Mini. While those can be considered to the logical heir of the Portal and Portal+ models introduced last year, the real surprise this year has been the launch of the Portal TV which can transform any smart TV into a large display for conducting video chats.
Portal TV, happens to be a device with a built-in camera that can be snapped on to a smart TV via the HDMI slot. This way, the entire TV display gets transformed into a giant video chatting medium, as big as the TV display is. The device also comes with it’s own remote to control the Portal TV features.
The Portal TV’s integrated camera is also AI-enabled and is hence smart enough to identify if it’s a real human it is seeing or an image on the wall. It can track the person or an entire group that might be present in the room even if they might be moving around. For the record, it’s a 120-degree field of view that the camera boasts of, which means a lot of space gets covered right away.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchAlso, with an 8-field microphone array, users can be rest assured of the entire room being covered by the device. This way, the Portal TV can well be considered a group chatting device as whoever present in the room and whatever they speak gets covered effectively by the Portal TV device. While the regular Portal and Portal Mini offer 10- and 8-inch displays, the Portal TV covers the entire room. Which means, there is no need to cram around the camera anymore as it used to be the norm once.
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- Scale up your greatest conversations. Smart video calling on your TV brings your favorite people, larger-than-life, into your living room.
- Share the room. Perfect for group calls. Meta Portal TV captures your whole room so everyone is in view without jostling for position.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can be heard clearly.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
Another cool feature of the Portal TV device is Watch Together. This, as the name suggests, enables one to share whatever they might be watching on their TV with another Portal TV owner. Once invoked, the feature will reduce the caller’s window into a tiny picture-in-picture display that gets to sit on the top right corner. The remainder of the screen gets filled with the program being watched.
However, the Watch Together feature only works with Facebook Watch at the moment. Further, one needs to be video chatting via only Messenger for the Watch Together feature to work. So, for those who are used to chatting via WhatsApp, they are in for some disappointment.
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- Feel close, wherever you roam. With the best of Meta Portal smart video calling made portable, you can take the conversation anywhere in your home.
- Designed for calls on the go. A long-lasting battery and integrated handle make it easy to move from room to room.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can always be heard.
- Great sound anywhere. Listen to music with a speaker that can fill any room. Doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker around the home.
So much for all the new features and excitement that the Portal TV brings along, lurking not deep beneath is the fear of the device being another tool for Facebook to have a ringside view of its user’s lives. Interestingly, Facebook too is all aware of its dismal privacy records and has the usual high sounding words to describe just how concerned they are in upholding user’s privacy.
For instance, the company described there is now a toggle switch to independently switch on or off the camera and microphone. Then there also is a physical cover as well that can be slid on the camera to block its view entirely. Plus, all voice or video calls benefit from end-to-end encryption, be it via Messenger or WhatsApp.
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- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can easily be heard.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- Designed for the home. With a sleek picture frame design, quick setup and intuitive voice and touchscreen controls, Portal fits easily and seamlessly into your home.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
Facebook working on AR smart glasses named Orion to replace a smartphone
Facebook, however, said they do listen and watch some of their user’s actions and that those are then used for marketing purposes. However, it’s not known to what extent they would be watching their user’s actions or if users would be reposing their trust on Facebook with the new range of Portal devices in spite of all the privacy issues they have faced so far. As for its price, the Portal TV is priced $149 and ships November 5. Pre-orders are currently underway.
Quick Recap
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- Move and talk freely with Smart Camera: With Smart Camera, you don’t have to worry about being out of frame. Whether you’re moving around the kitchen, prepping dinner or chasing the kids through the living room, Smart Camera adjusts to follow the action. And as more people enter a room, Smart Camera automatically widens to keep everyone in view, so you don’t miss a moment
- Private by design: Facebook doesn't listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Calls on Portal are encrypted, so conversations stay between you and those you're calling. You can also completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap, or block the camera lens with the camera cover provided
- Connect with friends, even if they don't have Portal: Easily call friends and family on Messenger — calls can be made seamlessly to and from smartphones and tablets. And you can bring up to six other people into a group call
- Alexa built-in: Portal has Alexa built-in, so you can ask a question, set a timer, add items to your shopping list, control your smart home or more. Just ask
- Experience more together: With Portal, story time will never be the same. With music, animation and augmented reality effects, Portal lets you become some of your children’s favorite characters as you read along to well-loved stories. And if friends or family also have Portal, you can listen to your favorite music together as if you were in the same room, without delays or feedback
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- Compatible Models: PZL KP45CM voice replacement remote control fit for Facebook Portal TV Smart Video
- How To Pair: Press and hold both the [BACK] and [Play/Pause] buttons on the remote control for 10 seconds. Detailed pairing in the product description
- Easy To Use: New ABS material, better craftsmanship, ergonomic arc design ensures easy to hold. The keys are responsive and feel great to touch. Precise control over distances of up to 12 metres/40 feet. The fastest response to the Smart Blu-Ray DVD Player is less than 0.2 seconds and it supports over 120,000 click approval tests, you'll have a better and free remote control experience.
- Package Included: 1 x IR remote control (Batteries and Instructions are Not Included). It can solve the problem when your home remote control doesn't work and become your backup remote control.
- After-sales service: If you have any questions about your order, we will respond promptly
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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