Facebook launches video chat devices for the home portal
Facebook launches video chat devices for the home portal
is launching a couple of video chat devices that will provide a deeper connection to what users do in their homes, even when the social media company faces intense scrutiny of its privacy practices by European regulators and Americans.
The devices, the $ 199 Portal and the $ 349 Portal + with a larger and more adjustable touch screen, allow customers to make video calls to their Facebook connections or in their chat application, Messenger.
The portal camera detects the number of people in the room and moves automatically and approaches the crowd. An array of microphones detects and amplifies the voice of the person speaking, even if that person moves. These features are executed locally on each Portal device, not on Facebook servers, the company said.
Both devices are loaded with
Amazon.com
From Inc.
Alexa's voice assistant software, which is also found in Amazon's Echo speaker line, allows users to complete tasks such as checking the weather and ordering groceries.
The debut of the devices occurs when Facebook is under fire for the handling of user data. In March, the company revealed that an external developer had incorrectly shared Facebook users' data with the Cambridge Analytica political analysis firm.
The Portal +, which sells for $ 349, has a larger and more adjustable touch screen.
Photo:
The Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. all have opened probes in how Cambridge Analytica, which worked for President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, was able to buy data from up to 87 million users without their consent. European regulators are also watching closely.
Last month, Facebook drew additional criticism when it revealed The biggest security breach in its history..
Company officials said that when developing Portal devices, Facebook made an effort to show customers that they will be responsible with their information.
By pressing the "silence" button on the device, the circuit is executed in the camera and the microphone of the Portal so that the functions are disconnected from the power supply. (Amazon has a similar function in its Echo speakers). The Portal also comes with a physical shutter that goes through the camera.
The Facebook Portal and the Portal + both have privacy features.
Photo:
Facebook says that it does not listen, see or retain the content of the video calls made through the Portal. Your camera does not use its facial recognition software to identify people who use the device. The voice commands issued after saying "Hey Portal" are sent to the Facebook servers, but they can be deleted.
The portal does not come with Facebook or Instagram applications. Users log in with Messenger, which does not require users to have a Facebook account. These elections were intentional, Facebook representatives said, because the company wanted Portal to focus primarily on communication, instead of browsing.
The devices were developed by the company's Building 8 unit, which is dedicated to the manufacture of consumer hardware.
The hardware remains an unknown territory for Facebook, whose main strength lies in the development of software services such as its social network used by more than two billion people per month. The launch of Facebook two years ago of its first consumer device, the Oculus Rift virtual reality glasses, ran into shipping problems, as well as the increasing competition from
HTC
Corp.
Y
Sony
Corp.
Facebook initially planned to launch Portal at its annual developer conference in May, but withdrew it partly because the device was not ready, according to people familiar with the subject.
The devices are available for preordering online through Facebook and online and in retail stores through Amazon and
The devices will begin shipping in November.
Write to Deepa Seetharaman in Deepa.Seetharaman@wsj.com
.
.
SOURCE LINK ERESVIRAL.COM https://www.beviral.online
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario