• Augmented Reality Special Effects – Portal TV from Facebook, Smart Video Calling on your TV with Alexa Built-in 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,447. In terms of privacy controls, there is a plastic cover for the camera which, as someone who has taped over my laptop webcam for years, I appreciated. • Quickly connect with people with ease via Facebook Messenger Required fields are marked *. The advantages and disadvantages of the device could help a buyer make their purchasing decision. That's great. And for some of them, a $199 video chat device may not seem like such a terrible idea. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. • All conversations are private and secure Special offers and product promotions. These are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions: At the moment, the settings on the device are only available in the English language. • It comes equipped with a smart camera Your email address will not be published. Powered by its own proprietary technology, Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe. By Mike Prospero 06 October 2020 All other terms and conditions of our standard return terms apply. Portal Plus from Facebook is smart video calling with Alexa Built-in. The Good The cameras in Facebook's $349 Portal Plus and $199 smart displays skillfully track people around a room, making you feel like you're actually there with them. review of 2nd generation portal from facebook-a smart video calling designed to fit your home, with alexa built in. Next. Connectez-vous avec vos amis, la famille et d’autres connaissances. is a social-focused device that encourages video calls and … The first Portal designs were… kinda weird. • It comes with Alexa built-in Not only is it ideal for people looking to stay in touch with their loved ones, but it is also ideal for those who run their own businesses and enjoy having conference calls with their business partners or employees. Facebook Portal TV review Does your TV need a webcam? But there could still be a narrow path forward for Facebook. Portal also includes a passcode to lock the screen. Facebook Portal and Amazon Echo Show both use Alexa, have 10-inch screens, and offer up great entertainment options. The Portal Plus’ comparability with different apps is rather limited. Si vous avez des difficultés à vous connecter à votre compte, suivez ces conseils et consultez les problèmes de connexion connus. One use case where I do think Portal actually makes a lot of sense — and one Facebook hasn't talked about very much — is not as an in-home video calling gadget, but as a corporate video conferencing tool. All Rights Reserved. Because it's not officially part of Workplace yet, this meant the only option for those without access to a Portal was for them to join the call via Messenger on their phone. But Portal is first and foremost a video-calling tool. And Portal, for all its flaws, certainly makes that communication a lot easier — and a lot more fun. Save Jack Rear; 20 March 2020 • 11:34am. The standout feature, though, is the Portal's camera. Was $279.99. The Portal Plus is sold by Facebook, the popular social networking site that is currently used by more than one billion people around the world. I personally tested the larger Portal+, which has a 15.6-inch rotating display, and it's downright huge — think having a full-sized iPad (with a little extra) mounted to a heavy base. Is this the best product Facebook makes? • Receive notifications on the device There's a "Story Time" feature that lets you read to kids (complete with animations and sound effects for specific stories), which seems like a nice idea but only has a couple of stories at the moment. Some reviewers did say that the Portal Plus From Facebook does not have as many features to offer as some other devices but that it was still worth the investment solely because of the clear and crisp video and audio quality. If you do already spend a lot of time video chatting with friends and family (or want to start), then there's a lot to like about the Portal. Save this story for later. Insure your product with Argos Care. Users can make calls using the device or even try other commands by simply saying, “Hey Portal!”. The Portal TV accessory costs $149 / £149, making it cheaper than the $179 / £169 Portal smart display, but a tad more expensive than the $129 / £129 Portal Mini. is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company. Most customers had nothing but positive things to say about the device, but there were some negative reviews left behind by a few customers who were disappointed with not being able to connect with people in their lives who did not have a Facebook account. Create an account or log into Facebook. Check stock. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling with Alexa Built-in [15.6" display] - Black at Amazon UK. In fact, it has an easy-to-use touchscreen that makes it quite simple to navigate through the device and make calls whenever you want to. Its smart camera automatically adjusts to stay with the action, whether you're moving about the kitchen or keeping up with the kids in the living room. Contact Mentions légales En poursuivant votre navigation, sans modifier vos paramètres, vous acceptez l'utilisation le dépôt de cookies destinés à mesurer la fréquentation du site grâce au logiciel Matomo. With the Portal, you have two choices: the $199 Portal and $349 Portal+. It is ideal for those who travel frequently and those who like to stay in touch with their loved ones. Enjoy an effortless video calling experience for large groups with Messenger Rooms, which lets you start or join calls of up to 50 people. If you like staying connected with important people in your life and you are looking for a simple, hands-free way to connect with those people while using your Facebook account, Portal Plus From Facebook is a great device worth investing in. That's great. Randomly my grandmother's Facebook account was blocked and under review. Here are the Facebook Portal tips and tricks that you should know. It doesn't help that the only way to connect with a portal call is via Messenger app (which many are still grumpy about Facebook essentially forcing upon users), though Facebook says support for Messenger.com, so you can join Portal call via web browser, is in the works. Mashable's Tech team tried out our set of Portal speakers during a team meeting to see just how viable it might be. Facebook is, after all, about communicating with people. Les plus de BibCnrs Découvrir BibCnrs Outils Actualités /Tests A propos F.A.Q. And having a voice-activated speaker is an essential first step toward that future. Because the picture quality is so clear, it will make users feel like they are in the same room with the person they are chatting with, even if they are thousands of miles away. You can also see when your closest contacts are available to connect, and get birthday reminders. Collect 129 Nectar points. • Block the lens of the camera in seconds if you need to • Get birthday reminders for friends and family Review: Facebook Portal (2019) In many ways, I like the Portal. Add to Trolley. It would not work as a recording device for those who are interested in making videos. Portal (also known as Facebook Portal) is a brand of smart displays and videophones developed in 2018 by Facebook, Inc. Think about it: corporate video conferencing systems tend to suck. Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. Facebook's new $179 Portal checks off a lot of the wish-list items we had for last year's model.The video-calling smart display now lets you make … But, assuming Facebook adds Workplace integration (which the company says it's looking at), these shortcomings are certainly solvable. The company is reeling from scandal after scandal, and is still facing tough questions about users' privacy. Socket Shelf Review – What To Do With All My Plugs. Transform your TV into a hub for video calls and more with Portal TV from Facebook. In stock on January 16, 2021. Portal Plus from Facebook is smart video calling with Alexa Built-in. The pair of speakers, Facebook's first non-VR hardware product, come at a time when trust in the social network is at an all-time low. Read and determine if this device should be on your wish list. Facebook has since branched out and is now offering a convenient video calling device for users to enjoy when they want to stay connected and chat via the smart camera. By Alina Bradford May 7, 2020 Some major competitors in the smart display category are the Facebook Portal and Amazon Echo Show. • Offers 1080p HD resolution for the clearest picture possible Check Stores. The social network, which counts more than 2 billion users, built the Portal because it's planning for a future beyond our smartphones. The Portal Plus From Facebook is a device that lets you take chatting via Facebook Messenger to the next level. You should have a wireless internet setup in your home. The customers who have already purchase Portal Plus From Facebook have a lot of great things to say about the product and its ability to help them stay connected with their family, friends, and even business partners. Having used quite a few different corporate videoconferencing systems over the years, I fully expected this somewhat hacked-together solution to be horrible, but it was actually pretty good once we managed to get everyone into the same call. Read more. When you’re not on a call, Portal can display your Facebook photos and videos. Still, privacy concerns are completely understandable. SKU: 6301158. Surround yourself with sound. With the Portal, you have two choices: the $199 Portal and $349 Portal+. The Facebook Portal and Portal Plus are seemingly direct competitive devices to the Amazon Echo Show, the difference being is that the Facebook devices are designed with video chatting in … Facebook Portal and Portal TV review: the video calling gagdets you need for self-isolation? And, given Facebook's recent track record, the idea of long, intimate conversations via Portal may be a tough sell for some. $214.99. After all, the company doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation on security and privacy. †Extended Holiday Return Period: Products ordered November 16, 2020 through January 1, 2021 on portal.facebook.com are eligible to be returned through January 31, 2021. Though the company has taken great pains to point to the various privacy features on the device, (the plastic camera cover was reportedly a late addition to help assuage fears) and explicitly explain its privacy policy, many people are wary of letting the social network further encroach into their lives. This device doesn't have a screen, but instead uses your TV to display video calls. All this gives you considerably more freedom while chatting as you can move around without worrying about stepping out of frame. Your email address will not be published. We're using cookies to improve your experience. Facebook Portal review (2nd generation) The second-generation Facebook Portal smart display is an improvement in every way. Facebook seems to think one of the best use cases for Portal is for distant parents and grandparents who want to be able to spend time with kids. The bigger, more expensive version of the Portal, Portal+ has come down in price anyway since its release, but Amazon now has it on offer for $249 instead of … That’s not the case. And the Portal+, at 17.7 inches high, is quite massive. Portal from Facebook is smart video calling with Alexa Built-in. However, there was sometimes a delay when there were several people in the room. As long as you do have a Facebook account and the people you wish to speak to have their own Facebook accounts, you will be able to connect to them with ease. Facebook wasn’t going to be left out of the smart display game. ... 18 Dec 2020, 12:58pm It is a hands-free system that comes equipped with a smart camera and Alexa built into the system, so you can speak to Alexa through the device. Ask Portal to play your favorite music, and powerful speakers will fill your room with rich, hi-fi sound. You'll also see and hear ads on YouTube and other ad-supported services that connect with the device. There's Pandora, Spotify, and iHeartRadio for music, as well as YouTube, Food Network, and Facebook Watch for video. Facebook Portal review. Create an account or log into Facebook. The original wedged-shaped Portal looked a bit like an Echo Show, while the Portal Plus (which Facebook … Portal Plus. While the Portal and Portal+ are often compared to Amazon's Echo Show, Facebook's devices are actually much more limited. Connect with friends, family and other people you know. $249 at Amazon Amazon Echo Show 5 Victoria Song. • Automatic Smart Camera – Follows you around automatically User rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars with 404 reviews. Facebook Portal is the smaller 10-inch product in the line-up; a series which also includes Portal Mini and a TV-mounted device known as Portal TV. There were a few complications at first. Even when I moved so far back that I was almost physically behind the Portal, the camera was still able to adjust. Because Facebook never actually created its own digital assistant ("M" was downgraded to mere suggestions in Messenger earlier this year), the "Hey Portal" functionality is limited to controlling basic features and making calls. This is essentially the same device, but with a … Next-level tech gift ideas for the techie who has it all, WATCH: This shapeshifting clock turns time into moving art. • Partnered with numerous convenient apps, including Spotify and Pandora, • You must have an active Facebook account to use Portal Plus From Facebook And Facebook already has relationships with thousands of companies, thanks to Workplace. It is a connectivity device that lets people chat, ask questions to get answers to everything they want to know, and even plan out their next grocery shopping trip! It is also great for those looking to enjoy access to different apps that the Portal Plus From Facebook has recently partnered up with, including Spotify, Food Network, Pandora, Facebook Watch, and Newsy. There are some drawbacks compared with other systems. Add to Your Wishlist. The new LELO Soraya Wave is better than the original, but is it worth $250? All other terms and conditions of our standard return terms apply. After all, the company doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation on security and privacy. Read reviews (101) 1/13. Yes, it can technically do a bit more than that — you can add your Amazon account to use Alexa skills and perhaps future functionality —  but if you're not planning on spending a lot of time video chatting, there's no point in getting one. Here's how to pick the right one for you. Créez un compte ou connectez-vous à Facebook. Facebook's Portal ($199) is a supremely capable video calling appliance you shouldn't buy until we're all convinced that Facebook isn't destroying democracy. It uses software to automatically detect faces and it can pan and zoom as people move around the room to track them. Overall AVOID. The only downside is Alexa doesn't always display any information on the screen, which makes it inferior to an Echo Show or Google Home Hub, and honestly, wastes the display. $229.99 Your price for this item is $229.99. It's likely too tall to fit in smaller corners or shelves. Follow. I personally tested the larger Portal+, which has a 15.6-inch rotating display, and it's downright huge — think having a full-sized iPad (with a little extra) mounted to a heavy base. Get all of Hollywood.com's best Movies lists, news, and more. Connect with friends, family and other people you know. Easily video call friends and family on their smartphones and tablets with Messenger or WhatsApp, even if they don’t have Portal. Transform your TV into a hub for video calls and more with Portal TV from Facebook. The passcode can be anywhere from four to twelve digits, allowing for relatively complex security; however, it is limited to numbers. The product line consists of four models (Portal, Portal Plus, Portal Mini, and Portal TV) that provide video chat via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, augmented by a camera that can automatically zoom and track people's movements. Tell us where you are to check stock: Check. There are a variety of features to enjoy, but besides Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and the ability to connect it to Alexa, the Portal Plus also has very few extra features. Facebook announced this morning it’s bringing a number of new features and services to its family of Portal devices, including support for Netflix and Zoom. $462 AUD) was also unveiled by Facebook. The product is not ideal for someone who does not want to create a Facebook account. Learn how your comment data is processed. Besides the larger display, it also has … $253.99. "Every square inch of that is a lie and it's under your logo," Sorkin wrote regarding a Trump campaign ad on Facebook aimed at 2020 ... Portal TV. At the same time that the Portal was released in October 2018, the Portal Plus (£239 / $279 / approx. The device is known as the Portal Plus From Facebook. Choosing between the two can be tricky. Mashable, MashBash and Mashable House are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. In fact, there are a few different things customers seem to love the most about this product, including the quality of the calls, the ease of setting things up, and the level of privacy that is offered to those looking to have conversations with the people they care about most. Facebook Portal Mini Smart Video Calling - Black 328/0700. Augmented reality masks on Facebook's Portal+. But the main difference is size. In fact, I was consistently surprised at just how much I could move around and Portal's camera was still able to find me. Facebook - Portal Plus Smart Video Calling 15.6" Display with Alexa - Black. Share photos and videos, send messages and get updates. Return requests must be completed by end of day January 31, 2021 (local time) to be eligible. That's the central question you'll need to consider before you invest in the company's new Portal or Portal+ speaker. Review: Facebook Portal (2019) In many ways, I like the Portal. For example, a Facebook product should have a Facebook app, right? The passcode can be anywhere from four to twelve digits, allowing for relatively complex security; however, it is limited to numbers. The Facebook Portal and Portal Plus are seemingly direct competitive devices to the Amazon Echo Show, the difference being is that the Facebook devices are designed with video chatting in … Ardent FX is like an all-in-one 'Easy Bake Oven' for weed edibles, iPad Pro (2020) review: A worthy update for creatives, but still no laptop killer, Casper Pillow review: A down-like, bouncy fluff for combo sleepers, Peloton Bike review: The perfect, if expensive, escape for easing coronavirus anxiety. So even though Portal may have decent privacy controls and relatively little data sharing (at least, by Facebook standards), the company has provided few reasons to trust that this will always be the case. When Facebook debuted its Portal video chat devices last year, they were met with a great deal of skepticism. The features on both are pretty much the same, the main differences being size (the Portal+ is larger and has a slightly better speaker and display) and price. There's also a physical mute switch on top of the device, which disables both the camera and microphone. It's much more compact, with a 10.1-inch display, looking a bit like an Amazon Echo Show. It supports group calls (up to seven people) and you can use Facebook's augmented reality effects while you chat for some added fun. The Facebook Portal utilizes Facebook’s Messenger and WhatsApp to connect you to your friends and family around the world. As good as the video-chatting features are, they don't matter much if you don't have anyone to talk to. The Portal and Portal+ come with plastic covers for their cameras. †Extended Holiday Return Period: Products ordered November 16, 2020 through January 1, 2021 on portal.facebook.com are eligible to be returned through January 31, 2021. Free delivery and return on eligible orders. The features on both are pretty much the same, the main differences being size (the Portal+ is larger and has a slightly better speaker and display) and price. No. Home Latest Reviews Earther Science io9 Field Guide Video. For starters, you can't share your screen or "present." The Portal (and the Portal+, Portal mini, etc.) For the NY and SF team members, who were joining the call via Portal speakers, the cameras were able to track our faces when we were speaking. • The cost of the product is $349.99 This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. … Easily video call friends and family on their smartphones and tablets with Messenger or WhatsApp, even if they don’t have Portal. Creating a Facebook Shop is free and simple. However, this may change at some point in the future. Rating 4.683168316831683 out of 5. The Portal's AR effects can be used on multiple faces. They're expensive and bug-ridden and never quite work the way you need them to. Return requests must be completed by end of day January 31, 2021 (local time) to be eligible. • You cannot make calls to people without a Facebook account. Argos Monthly Care +£5.39. The device is great for busy people who are looking for a hands-free way to communicate with different people. 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