Facebook Expands Portal Lineup With TV Dongle and Slimmer Displays
Facebook introduces three new Portal devices, including a $149 Portal TV that transforms any television into a giant video chat screen. The updated standalone Portal and Portal Mini smart displays also feature a sleeker, picture-frame design.
Facebook expands its hardware lineup with three new Portal devices, headlined by the $149 Portal TV. This unique device acts as a camera attachment that connects to a television, turning the screen into a giant smart display for video calls. Alongside the Portal TV, the company introduces updated standalone smart displays with a $179 Portal and a $129 Portal Mini.
The new standalone Portal models feature a significantly improved design compared to last year's clunky releases. Instead of a bulky appearance, these updated displays boast narrow borders that make them look like traditional picture frames. The standard Portal features a 10-inch HD display, while the Portal Mini offers an 8-inch HD screen, allowing them to blend more easily into various rooms around the home.
Despite Facebook's ongoing reputation for privacy concerns and the reality that these devices do collect user data, the company pushes forward with its smart display strategy. The Portal TV offers a compelling way to bring the AI-powered camera technology to a much larger screen for group video chats. These new additions show Facebook's commitment to competing in the smart home market against rivals like Amazon and Google.