Facebook Inc will finally release its two Video Chat devices — the Portal and the Portal Plus today and they’ll be sold on platforms like Best Buy and Amazon. Since the devices are exclusive video chatting tools, their scope of abilities is quite limited.
Although the devices can play music, display photos and access some video platforms, its features are extremely small — they can’t even access Facebook or surf the net. They can, however chat over the Facebook Messenger.
Since they are exclusive Facebook Video calling devices, they have inbuilt camera tricks to make video calls easier. Both the Portal and Portal Plus have single, fixed cameras on top of them. These cameras have the ability to zoom and follow you around, making it possibly for users to move around while engaging in a video call.
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Although the release has been smooth, customers are very much concerned about the issue of bringing a Facebook controlled mic and camera into their homes in light of all the recent scandals the company has faced. Facebook, in a bid to abate this tension has repeatedly emphasized that they take privacy seriously and that their users will be able to completely deactivate the camera when they wish.
Both devices will be shipping today, the 8th of November 2018 and will be available on the Facebook website or Best Buy and Amazon stores. The Portal will be on sale for $199 and the Portal Plus for $349, if you buy 2 at once, you will get a $100 discount on your purchase.
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