Meta Portal and Christmas: a unique way and combination to create new memories and stay connected regardless of any distance constraints. And on the occasion of the holidays, Meta introduces new features for its devices.
No more embarrassing selfies – take photos hands-free
The Smart Camera, the exclusive hardware system with AI technology, together with Photo Booth have been improved with a new feature that allows you to take photos, capture memorable memories and share with Messenger hands-free, through Facebook Assistant. Just say, “Hey Portal, take a picture”.
A smarter home with Alexa
Portal, in addition to being a device that allows you to stay connected with loved ones, friends or colleagues anywhere in the world, is also a smart device for the home, now integrated with the Alexa touch interface. Thanks to this new function, it will be possible to manage your home, doorbell, alarms, music and all your home routine through the Alexa app.
New ways to connect with Facebook friends
Thanks to Facebook Assistant, you will be able to view the Facebook profile of a friend, their posts or browse the stories hands-free. You can access the function simply by saying these words: “Hey Portal, show me the stories” or “Hey Portal, show me the recent posts”.
Bluetooth speaker
Both Portal Go and Portal + are equipped with stereo speakers to listen to audio files in super defined quality. With the new update, they can also be used as Bluetooth speakers, so you can manage music or audio content directly from your smartphone. The update also affects Portal TV.
New group AR effects
Meta has also introduced a number of new AR effects, masks and backgrounds that can be applied by all participants simultaneously in Messenger calls.
In addition, three new AR games have been added that can be played directly through Facebook Assistant. All three games are available on Photo Booth and are:
– Quizbee to experiment and test one’s knowledge of general culture;
– Sequencer to memorize sequences of randomized numbers to strengthen your memory skills;
– Port-a-Pet allows you to use voice commands to interact with a virtual pet.
Watch Together
New video content was then introduced to Watch Together, which allows you to watch shows, music videos or funny clips with distant friends or family members, as if you were all in the same room. The new selection of contents has been systematized by categories and will be updated weekly. In addition, new controls have been added, so as to be able to monitor access during Messenger calls when home mode is active.
Even more entertainment on Portal
A series of entertainment apps are already available on Portal such as Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TIDAL and more. But by the end of the month, ESPN (which includes access to ESPN +) will also arrive in the US on Portal TV, Portal + and Portal Go.
Microsoft Teams support
It is the perfect device for business calls, especially within the new hybrid work contexts. And as anticipated, Microsoft Teams has also been integrated, giving you the ability to better manage your work rhythms, with calendar, contacts, file sharing and chats. And with new Bluetooth headset and keyboard support, Portal is even more productive. In addition to Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, GoToMeeting, BlueJeans and Workplace were already present.
A device for every need
Portal Go is the first portable device of the family, designed in such a way that it can move from room to room during a conversation, thanks to the integrated handle and a long-lasting battery.
Portal +, the 14-inch device, is ideal for a “virtual” Christmas dinner. And if you want to make video calls from the largest screen in your home, Portal TV allows you to sit back and enjoy the chat or get up and move freely around the room.
All three devices are equipped with a 12MP Smart Camera with an ultrawide field of view and for a short period of time, you can buy a Portal and a TV for 99 euros, a Portal Go for the price of 149 euros and / or a Portal + for 299 euros.