Facebook Launches Portal and Portal+ – Its Amazon Echo Show Competitor – Smart Speaker!
Facebook has announced a new messenger enabled video chat devices called Portal and Portal+.
Facebook is entering the smart speaker landscape!
Facebook claims that this is a dramatically change the way we keep in touch. However, this seems to be very similar to the Amazon Echo Show (and Im sure Google will announce a screen display for their Google Assistant very soon).
With a 10-inch 1280 x 800 display, Portal from Facebook improves video calling and lets you enjoy quality time with family and friends — hands and distraction free. Looking for a larger screen for more flexibility? You can also opt for a 15-inch 1920 x 1080 pivoting display with Portal+. Both models are designed to help you feel closer to the important people in your life and make video chats feel less like a call, and more like you’re actually in the same room.
Portal and Portal+ are available now for pre-order in the US – from Facebook at portal.facebook.com, as well as Amazon and Best Buy – and will begin shipping in November. You can bring Portal home for $199 USD and Portal+ for $349 USD. You can also receive $100 USD off any two devices — this means a bundle of two Portal devices will be priced at $298 USD, so you can share the experience right out of the box.