Facebook advertises its Portal in a commercial aimed at highlighting that, with this device, “distance is just a feeling”.
The 60-second spot opens with an onscreen line revealing that the company sent “a mystery device to loved ones separated by distance” and goes on by featuring their reactions and the way they use it to get and keep in touch with their dear ones. Viewers can thus see how families, relatives and friends as they manage to spend quality time together, despite the physical distance between them by playing games together, cooking together, holding sketch sessions, stretching sessions, or just hanging out, all with the help of Portal from Facebook.
“If you can’t be there, feel there,” an onscreen line read at the end of the ad.
The Portal from Facebook “feels less like a video call and more like you’re in the same room – even when you’re miles apart,” according to the tech giant. The device lets you move and talk freely thanks to its Smart Camera, which automatically pans and zooms to keep you in frame, its Smart Sound, and the built-in Amazon Alexa. Created “with privacy, safety and security in mind,” the Portal has clear and simple settings, so you stay in control. Users can completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap, or block the camera lens with the camera cover provided. Facebook states that, for added security, Smart Camera uses AI technology that runs locally on Portal, not on Facebook servers, and that Portal’s camera does not use facial recognition and does not identify who you are. Like other voice-enabled devices, Portal only sends voice commands to Facebook servers after you say “Hey Portal.” You can delete Portal’s voice history in your Facebook Activity Log. People are also ensured that Facebook doesn’t listen to, view or keep the contents of Portal video calls. “Your Portal conversations stay between you and the people you’re calling,” states Facebook on the presentation page of the Portal.
Customers can enjoy fast and easy returns within 30 days when purchasing the Portal from Facebook. Those living in the United States can also enjoy free shipping. The device, available in two options – Portal and Portal+, is priced at $199 and $349, respectively and comes with a one-year limited consumer warranty. When you buy two Portals, you save $100, paying only $298.