What is Facebook Portal?

What is Facebook Portal?

Facebook Portal is the name of Facebook's video messaging devices. Portal comes in two different devices, differentiated by screen size. Facebook Portal has a 10.1-inch screen, while Facebook Portal+ has a 15.6-inch screen and can be tilted vertically or horizontally for use in both directions.

The main purpose of Facebook Portal is to connect with Facebook contacts, mainly through video calling. When not being used for audio or video calls, it can play music, be used to watch videos, display photos, or be used as an Echo device with the Alexa assistant.

Portal launches at $199, while Portal+ costs $349.

What is Facebook Portal? Picture 1

Portal features and benefits

1. 12MP camera with 140 degree viewing angle.
2. Portal has a screen resolution of 720p (1200x800), while Portal+ has a resolution of 1080p (1920x1080).
3. Cluster of 4 microphones to pick up voice anywhere in the room.
4. Portal has a 10W speaker, Portal+ has a 20W speaker.
5. (4.2) and WiFi is used for connection.
6. Built-in Alexa assistant to answer questions or perform voice commands, just like other Echo devices.

What can Facebook Portal do?

Facebook wants to turn Portal into a way to connect with Facebook contacts in a way that goes beyond a typical video call.

This is addressed in a number of ways: Seeing, hearing sounds, and interacting.

Portal has a smart AI camera that is capable of tracking a person in the frame and continuing to keep them in view. The camera can also automatically zoom in and out for a wider field of view, based on people entering and exiting the room, for example.

When you're on a video call with someone, you can listen to music and watch other media from sources like Facebook Watch, Spotify, or iHeartMedia with that person.

As mentioned before, Portal has integration with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant so it can be used to find answers to questions, set timers, etc. It can also use Alexa skills you often use on other Echo devices.

When Portal isn't being used for calls or Alexa support, it can passively display photos and videos from your Facebook account and serve as a large photo frame.

Facebook Portal is a device created primarily to extend the functionality of Facebook Messenger. It was meant to be a means of communication with a number of other uses at launch, but the usefulness of the device largely depends on how often a person uses Facebook.

Samuel Daniel

Update 13 October 2023