Facebook is introducing a new Portal model that is a set-top box in all but name.
In addition to the US and Canada, Portal devices are being made available in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.
Portal TV is designed to connect to the TV itself, sitting on top or underneath the display. It also provides an easy means to access Facebook’s original content on its Watch service.
Portal Mini has an 8-inch HD display and Portal has larger 10-inch HD display for video calls, displaying photos and watching videos in either portrait or landscape orientations.
Significantly, Facebook is tackling privacy concerns head on. Portal will listen out for the phrase Hey Portal. If it’s detected, Portal sends a short audio recording and transcript of the “Hey Portal” voice interaction to Facebook. However, users can turn off voice storage in Settings
Portal and Portal Mini begin shipping on October 15 and Portal TV begins shipping November 5. Portal Mini is US$129, Portal is US$179 and Portal TV is US$149.
