Facebook will launch portable version of Portal video chat device

The social media company also said it is testing a service with several US companies for businesses to remotely manage Portal work accounts and devices.

Facebook on Tuesday announced two new models of its Portal video calling devices, including its first portable version.

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The social media company also said it is testing a service with several US companies for businesses to remotely manage Portal work accounts and devices.

Facebook did not provide specific sales numbers on the portal, but a spokesperson said sales and usage have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many companies shifting to remote working and more people under lockdown measures. stay at home Facebook makes most of its money from digital ads.

company, which is under Global regulators and lawmakers scrutinize its approach to user safety, Privacy and Content in its Services, launched its first line of portals in 2018. The smart-display device, one of Facebook’s attempts at selling hardware, lets users make video calls, which automatically follow users around a room.

Updates to the new models announced Tuesday include a “home mode,” which allows users to share a portal and control others’ access to their contacts and apps, and with those people through the product. There is a way to watch TV from those who are not using Portal device. .

read also: Facebook brings Instagram, Oculus execs to install new AR product

Facebook said the portable Portal Go will cost $199 and the product’s latest generation of large-screen Portal+ will cost $349. Shipping of both will start from October 19.

Facebook also said that it will begin adding support for Microsoft Teams to Portal in December.

The company reported $497 million in non-advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2021, largely attributed to sales of its Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset. Facebook last month began testing a VR remote work app where Quest 2 users can conduct meetings as avatar versions of themselves.

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