Facebook introduces mobile version of smart screen Portal
Facebook has announced two new Portal models, namely a Go variant with battery and a new + version. The Portal Go is intended for video calling in different rooms within a house.
The Portal Go has a 10.1″ screen, a triangular design and a notch at the back to lift the smart screen. Charging is via a dock. Facebook does not report how big the battery is or how long it lasts. must be able to make video calls.
The screen has a resolution of 1280×800 pixels. The Go also has two 5W speakers and a 20W woofer, four microphones, works with WiFi and Bluetooth version 5.1 and has a camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels and an angle of view of 125 degrees. The Go is 17.4×25.7×7.9cm in size.
Where the first version of the Portal+ could still be run, the new version of the Portal+ is always in landscape. This new model can be tilted forwards or backwards. The new Portal+ also gets a slightly smaller 14″ screen with a resolution of 2160×1440 pixels.
Further specifications are largely the same as the Go, although the camera of the Portal+ has a field of view of 131 degrees. The Portal+ is 25.1x31x10.0cm in size. According to Facebook, this device is mainly intended for video meetings with many people, such as for work purposes. This screen would allow up to 25 people to be seen in a Zoom meeting.
On the left the Portal Go, on the right the Portal+
Facebook’s Portal devices are primarily intended as smart screens for video calling and are therefore equipped with camera software that follows the user during video calling. With this software, Facebook ensures that the user is always as central as possible in the picture.
The company also releases updates to the operating system of the devices, such as redesigning the home screen to make it more personalized and there is a Household Mode to make it easier to share the device with multiple people. In addition, Facebook wants to make the software more suitable for business purposes. That’s why there’s a calendar app with integration for Outlook and Google calendars, Microsoft Teams support is coming, and Facebook is introducing a Portal for Business service for small and medium-sized businesses.
The two new Portal models will ship from October 19. They are not yet delivered in the Benelux; in countries such as France and the United Kingdom. The Portal Go costs 229 euros, the Portal+ costs 369 euros.