Facebook Set to Launch Streaming Device to Rival Amazon: Report
Facebook had already launched a device to offer video chat to its users called Facebook Portal.
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Social media giant Facebook is reportedly working on a streaming device, like Amazons Fire Stick which would plug into a TV to offer access to online content.
The new streaming hardware will be part of the company's Portal family of devices, featuring a camera, combining video chatting with TV viewing and Augmented Reality (AR), variety.com reported on Friday.
The company has recently approached Netflix, Disney, and HBO about adding their content to its hardware.
In addition, Facebook is set to launch an updated version of its video chat device 'Portal' later this year.
The Portal can be used for video calling other Portal users and connects people using either Facebook or its Messenger platform.
Apart from video calling, Facebook’s Portals can play music through Spotify and Pandora, stream video from Facebook video platform Watch.
Andrew Bosworth, Vice President of Facebook's AR and Virtual Reality (VR) has also confirmed that the company has a lot more to unveil "later this fall" related to Portal.
Portal was launched in November 2018. While the smaller device was priced at $199 (Rs 14,000 approx.), the larger "Portal Plus" was made available for $349 (Rs 25,000 approx.) with a 10-inch display and 15-inch display, respectively.
The smart camera-enabled device is also powered by Amazon's voice assistant Alexa and comes with front cameras.
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