Meta Portal (www.meta.com/portal or simply Meta Portal) is a line of smart video-calling devices developed by Meta Platforms, designed to provide handsfree, immersive communication with family, friends, or colleagues. Initially launched under the Facebook name in 2018, the devices feature AI-powered Smart Camera and Smart Sound technology that automatically tracks speakers and suppresses background noise. Although the product line has been phased out for consumers, it remains supported for enterprise use and continues to offer strong video calling integration with Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom and Teams.
Evolution of Meta Portal
The original Portal debuted in October 2018 to compete with smart displays, offering a 10-inch HD touchscreen alongside high-fidelity speakers and a 12 MP camera. A 15.6-inch Portal+ and Portal TV (a camera/speaker for your TV) followed. In 2019, Meta (then Facebook) released second-generation Portal and Portal Mini. A major update in 2021 introduced Portal Go a battery-powered, portable 10-inch device and a refreshed 14-inch Portal+ alongside enterprise-focused Portal for Business. In June 2022, Meta confirmed Portal would no longer be sold to consumers but would continue supporting existing users and pivot toward business applications.
Key Features of Meta Portal
Smart Camera and Smart Sound
All Portal devices include AI-driven Smart Camera that detects and follows people in frame and beamforming microphones to focus on voices and filter out noise. The auto-framing and tracking functions offer seamless, hands-free interaction.
Video Calling Platforms
Portal supports video calls via Meta apps Messenger and WhatsApp as well as third-party platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, GoToMeeting and BlueJeans. Group calls can host dozens of participants, making Portal practical for personal and business use.
Entertainment and Productivity
When idle, Portal doubles as a digital photo frame using Facebook and Instagram photo integration. It also supports music streaming via Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, plus Alexa voice control, photo-taking with AR filters, Story Time for children’s storytelling, and streaming (Portal TV).
Device Lineup Overview
- Portal Mini: Compact 8-inch screen for small spaces (discontinued after 2021).
- Portal (10-inch): The core model offering full Smart Camera features.
- Portal+: 15.6inch original model and 14inch update with tilting display for a premium experience.
- Portal TV: A camera and mic that turns any TV into a videocall device.
- Portal Go: Portable with battery, integrated handle, and fivehour talk time bridging smart display portability.
Privacy and Security Measures
Privacy was a primary concern. Portal offers user control via physical camera shutter and microphone mute. Calls are encrypted endtoend on Messenger and WhatsApp. Local AI handles Smart Camera/Smart Sound processing without sending data to Meta. Metadata not content is used for analytics and advertising targeting under strict user controls.
Reception and Criticisms
Reviewers praised Portal for its camera and audio quality, noting it surpassed many competitors. Critics raised concerns over data collection, privacy, and Facebook ties. Sales were modest about 600,000 units in 2020 and 800,000 in 2021, translating to roughly 1% of the smart display market.
Current Status and Future Direction
Meta discontinued consumer sales in 2022 amid hardware cutbacks and a narrowed focus on AR/VR. While consumer production stopped, support continues for existing devices until at least 2032. Meta now focuses on enterprise applications, promoting Portal for Business, remote device management, and deeper integration with video conferencing tools in workplace settings.
Summary of Pros and Cons
- Excellent autotracking cameras and audio quality
- Seamless integration with popular calling platforms
- Useful entertainment and productivity features beyond video calls
- Strong privacy controls and encryption
- Concerns over data usage and limited app ecosystem
- Discontinued consumer availability but businessoriented future path
Meta Portal redefined video calling devices with innovative camera tracking and multifunctionality. While consumer production ended in 2022, the product line lives on in enterprise builds and support through 2032. With the shift toward remote work and hybrid lifestyles, Meta sees Portal taking center stage in business settings while continuing to serve dedicated users. For those looking to blend immersive video communication with productivity and entertainment in a smart display, Meta Portal still offers a compelling solution even as its focus evolves.