After the reports of phasing out, Meta's Portal releases new features for both PC and Mac users. As video calls are heavily consumed nowadays, especially for employees who work from home and students who are conducting their classes online, Portal introduces a feature where you can now use it as a second screen display, via Meta's Duet Display and Companion App.

(Photo : JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A suite of Facebook Portal products is seen on display during a media event held in San Francisco, California on September 17, 2019.

Users can now use the Duet Display, a third-party application where they can drag open windows and make it their second screen. It is now available for free in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. Mac users can now share the users' computer screen during video calls, providing shortcuts, and even having control for muting and volume adjustment via the Companion App as this application controls in a macOS widget. It is also now available in the United States and the United Kingdom.

In a blog post that Meta wrote, the company stated that the Portal is more useful than before because of this new productivity tool that users can utilize in their offices at home. "In today's hybrid work environment, having a comfortable and convenient working space is more important than ever," Meta added. 

Portal's Unique Features

Portal's automatic zoom camera is one of its unique features, together with a built-in Alexa. The device also supports several applications for activities such as listening to music and streaming videos, yet its functionality as a whole is very limited.

However, these devices work with different video calling platforms such as Zoom, Cisco's Webex, Blue Jeans, GoTo Meeting, Workplace, Microsoft Teams, and Meta's own Messenger. The users can also utilize their calendars via Outlook and Google calendars through Portals.

Meta also introduced a feature where the user can use the Facebook Assistant to display photos, posts, and responses in late 2021. 

Also Read: Meta Portal Lets You Browse Through Facebook Stories Hands-Free

Poor Sales and Controversies 

Based on past reports by analysts, Meta's venture in the smart display market is worth billions of dollars. The company started producing the Portal line in 2018, yet it received poor sales from the market and received controversy that tackles privacy issues.

International Data Corporation estimated that 600,000 units have been released in 2020 and 800,000 units in 2021, comparing it to Google Nest Hub, one of its major competitors, who shipped 1.5 million units in Quarter 3 of 2021 alone. 

Meta introduced the latest 10-inch Portal Go and 15-inch Portal Plus in September last year, which are likely the last Portal devices that they will be releasing as the company will be focusing on its use for businesses. Both of these devices are still available to purchase despite the phase-out reports, as Meta promises its consumers to provide support for their existing users and customers.

The company also sells other devices such as cameras where users can connect to their television and a smart display that costs $349. 

Related Article: Facebook BlenderBot 3: Meta's AI Chatbot Now in the Works-Wants Help from Users to Train it 

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Written by Inno Flores