According to reports, Facebook is planning to finally launch its Portal video chat device that has been in the works for some time.
Facebook‘s second entry into the hardware market may be on its way this week, with sources claiming that the tech giant is prepared to launch its Portal video chat device with the next few days. The device will work a lot like Amazon’s Echo Show, and will allegedly be available in two screen sizes and two different price points to reflect that. The one with the larger screen is rumoured to go for around $400, while the one with the smaller screen for around $300.
We’ve been getting word about Portal for some time now, but haven’t seen anything concrete – yet it was rumoured that Facebook originally planned to announce it at F8. How so? Well, as a recent report in the Cheddar says that “the company’s scandals, including the Cambridge Analytica data breach and the bombshell revelation that Russia used the platform to interfere with the 2016 elections, led executives to shelve the announcement at the last minute.”
So, is Facebook about to launch Portal now? The company doesn’t “comment on rumour and speculation,” so we’ll just have to wait and see. However, there is word that Facebook employees have already been testing the device in their own homes and have shown it to major retailers as well.
If you don’t count Facebook’s failed attempt at hardware with its “Facebook phone” back in 2013 (a partnership with HTC) Portal is Facebook’s second venture into consumer hardware devices after Oculus. Will it work?
And my final question is: Do we need more “Facebook” in our lives?
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook Bans Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories Ahead Of Inauguration Day
Facebook has announced a ban, on its platforms, of ads promoting weapon accessories and protective equipment - at least through …
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.
New Year’s Eve 2020 Sets New Records For Use Of Facebook Apps
Facebook was expecting a traffic spike on its apps over New Year's Eve, but this year broke all previous records …
3 Courses To Help You Create Better Video Content For Your Ads
Here are three free Facebook Blueprint courses to help you take your content to the next level.
Facebook Attacks Apple With Full-Page Newspaper Ads
Facebook is running newspaper ads newspapers criticizing Apple for its policy giving iOS users the choice of whether they want …
New Facebook Collab App Lets You Create Music With Friends
Facebook Collab is a new experimental music-making app available in the US, that lets you create music with friends.
Facebook Expands Brand Collabs Manager To Public Groups
Facebook is rolling out it s Brand Collabs Manager to public groups this week, giving them a new opportunity for …
The US Government Is Taking Legal Action To Break Up Facebook
Forty-eight attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission say Facebook Needs To Sell Instagram And WhatsApp.