Facebook’s new Portal video chat models were recently unveiled, marking the social media company’s first TV streaming hardware venture. Will this mark the first social media company to compete in the Unified Communications market?
Reuters reports Facebook is already one of the biggest in private messaging, as owner of WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
Facebook Portal Updates
Portal is a video calling camera which keeps users in focus as they move in a room. Sales of the hardware are being expanded into the UK, France, and Australia with lower prices: standard models will cost $129 and $179. Portal TV will come out on November 5 for $149.
Facebook is hoping the social nature of its products will be their selling point, allowing users to watch shows together while interacting via video call on the same screen.
“I think that in a couple years’ time, if you have a smart streaming device that doesn’t have a camera allowing you to video call people, you’re not going to have a competitive product,” said vice president of AR/VR Andrew Bosworth. “I think this is the killer feature for a device like this.”
Privacy protections such as local processing of device features will also come standard — meaning user data won’t be sent back to Facebook servers, the report says.
The TV service won’t come with many streaming options, though, and Facebook did not comment on eligibility with HBO, Hulu, or Disney, nor how many devices sold since last year’s launch.
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While these products are definitely aimed at the consumer marketplace, SMBs could potentially find use for such devices. I wonder if Facebook will ever make a hard move on the Unified Communications market with Portal video chat or any other device?
