Facebook Ups Its Smart Display Game with Portal Go and Portal+

Last Updated on September 22, 2021 by Asif Iqbal Shaik

To challenge the likes of Google Nest Home Hub and the Amazon Echo Show lineup, Facebook has introduced its new smart display lineup for 2021. The social media giant has launched the Facebook Portal Go and the Facebook Portal+. These are made to sit in front of a couch, a kitchen countertop, a TV desk, or a desktop. With its built-in rechargeable battery, the Portal Go aims for mobility whereas the Portal+ delivers a larger screen with the ability to adjust the tilt. For those who still believe in the illusion of privacy, Facebook has added an integrated camera cover on both models. Let us have a detailed look at their features, specifications, and pricing.

Facebook Portal Go Features, Specifications

The Portal Go’s 10-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 1,290 x 800 pixels. The frame holds two 5W drivers and a 20W woofer. It can play music from Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. The smart display has a 4-mic array to pick your voice with accuracy. For video calls, the Portal Go relies on a 12MP ultrawide camera with a 125-degree FoV (Field-of-View). According to Facebook, it uses AI algorithms to dynamically alter framing (like Apple’s Center Stage feature) for best results. The smart display can also make calls over Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom. Facebook is planning to bring Microsoft Teams app to its platform in December 2021.

For smart voice assistant support, Facebook has gone with Amazon’s Alexa. The Portal Go features dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1. It packs in a rechargeable battery, but Facebook has been tight-lipped about its capacity.

Facebook Portal+ Features, Specifications

The Facebook Portal+ looks like a tablet duct-taped to a smart speaker. While not aesthetically pleasing, the gadget offers display tilt adjustments. The massive, 14-inch touchscreen display panel has a resolution of 2,160 x 1,440 pixels. The 12 MP shooter on the Portal+ has a 131-degree wide FoV (Field-of-View). Using Facebook’s AI algorithms, the device can pan and zoom to keep the user in the frame during video calls. The Portal+ packs in two 5W drivers and one 20W woofer. Other features include a 4-mic array, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.1.

Pricing and Availability

The Portal Go and Portal+ are up on pre-order in the US. Both devices are expected to start shipping from October 19. The Facebook Portal Go is priced at $199, while you can get the Facebook Portal+ for $349. As of now, Facebook has not shared any plans regarding Portal’s launch in India.