FACEBOOK has launched a brand new “smart screen” that you can talk to – and even carry around.
It’s one of two new devices revealed today under Facebook’s Portal series of gadgets.
2
2
Both devices come with built-in cameras and microphones.
But Facebook promises that the gadgets are totally secure and safe to use – though not everyone will be convinced.
The Portal Go and Portal+ are two new devices that have been added to the lineup.
“Portal from Facebook is a family of video-calling devices that helps you stay connected to your friends, family and colleagues,” Facebook.
Here are the two devices…
Facebook Portal Go
The Portal Go is the move-around device.
It’s got a 10.1-inch HD screen, and comes with a charging dock and adapter.
There’s a handle built into the back of the device, so you can pick it up and move it around.
If you’re on a phone call and decide you want to make a sandwich, the handle allows you to move it from the back to the kitchen. It’s got support for hands-free voice control with Facebook Assistant, as well as Amazon’s Alexa.
You can now use your voice to make calls, listen to music and find out the weather.
Portal Go allows you to use WhatsApp, and even make video calls with WhatsApp.
There’s a 12-megapixel Smart Camera on board with an “ultrawide” field of view.
It also includes two speakers and a woofer so that you can use it as an audio portable speaker.
It costs $199, which is cheaper that Amazon’s Echo Show 10 and Google’s Nest Hub Max.
Facebook Portal+
This is the bigger and entirely stationary alternative to the Portal Go.
It’s got a much larger 14-inch display with a far superior 2160 x 1440-pixel resolution.
You’ll get largely the same features as with the Go, but it’s not portable.
Two passive radiators make the speaker system even better.
The luxury of the high-quality screen and boosted speakers means you’ll pay a premium.
The Facebook Portal+ is $349.
Both devices have a red light that shows when the camera and mic are off – and there’s a built-in cover to physically block the lens.
You can also create a passcode lock of four to twelve characters.
The prices shown in this article are correct as of the date of writing. However, they may have changed since then. Do your research before you make any purchase.
- Read all the latest Phones & Gadgets news
- Keep up-to-date on Apple stories
- Get the latest on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? You want to discover the hidden features in social media apps? We have you covered…
- How to get your deleted Instagram photos back
- How to track someone on Google Maps
- How can I increase my Snapchat score?
- How do I change my Facebook password
- How can I perform a TikTok Duet?
- Here’s how to see if your Gmail has been hacked
- How can I change my Amazon Alexa voice in seconds?
- What is Bumble dating app?
- How do I check my broadband internet speed
- Here’s how to find your Sky TV remote in SECONDS
In other news, check out the new Lamborghini Huracan Evo that can clean your house and cook you dinner.
Check out the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.
Read our complete guide to Call of Duty 2021.
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
Your stories are ours! Do you have a story for Central Recorder Online Tech & Science team?