Facebook is dropping the “photo frame” look for this new version Web Home. No basis was provided and the device became self-sufficient. At this point, it is not possible for us to position it appropriately, it must be installed horizontally.
Portal Go adopts a very different aesthetic from the previous version, which can be vertical or horizontal.
On the other hand, it follows you from one room to another due to its handle and its integrated battery. To take advantage of 5 hours of video calls or 14 hours of audio playback, you need to keep it at its station to fully charge; Anyway, this is what Facebook is announcing. The round tip of the docking station is not very ergonomic and does not charge the device properly. We would have preferred a magnetic system that would be convenient for placing the smart-display on its base.
Although the charging nozzle is not very ergonomic, the battery performance for this type of product is quite commendable.
Decorated with gray fabric, the portal hides a sound system created by three speakers. At its edges, two Tweeters Produces superior sounds; On his back, a Woofer Seriously cares. The device already has its 10.1-inch screen and its four microphones Web Home Standard. However, its appearance makes the screen difficult to read or move, while the latter does not obviously tilt.
Portal Go is compact and its shape facilitates transportation.
A power button is placed on the back of the smart-display, while the device has three controls at the top. Two of them allow you to adjust the volume, while the third disables the microphone and camera.
If that is not enough, you can manually slip the slightly rough cover on the front of the lens. A reassuring option for some users, especially after The Cambridge Analytica scandal It rocked Facebook in 2018.
The controls placed on the top of the screen can be activated while the user is wearing the device.
Anyway, Portal Go retains its charm, which is nothing more than its smart camera (this model went from 13 Mpx to 12 Mpx). In the 125 field of view, it follows the user in his movements so that he is in the frame. Similarly, the camera zooms in on this frame to accommodate the number of existing speakers.
When the camera is exposed, the microphone will turn on automatically.
Functions and Utilities
In total, four different profiles can be installed on the smart-display, each with their own contacts and options. To maintain a small degree of privacy, access to this information can also be restricted by a four-digit code; One second can be configured to open the screen.
It is possible to lock the smart-display with a code.
When the portal temple is first inserted, the device installs the latest update. Just like a smartphone or tablet, you need to connect the smart-display to a Wi-Fi network to begin downloading. The device sometimes loses connection unexpectedly.
Then begins the vaults of requests to identify networks. First, Facebook, Whatsapp and the workplace (Facebook’s professional network). Denying some connections is obviously possible, but the device loses its usefulness, its main advantage being video calls.
The user should check the social networks of his choice.
Once identified, the user can find his contacts on the smart-display and identify some as favorites. In Messenger, the calls can be up to 8 people, while in Whatsapp there are 4 people, including users. During the call, you can activate different options: use filters, read stories, and play together. Note that it is not possible to send written messages through these sites; We hope this is very low.
Even during the call, Portal Go follows you and can be placed anywhere in the house.
Portal Co asks you to sign in to Amazon. Why? Because once again, this is the voice assistant Alexa created by the US company, which was selected by Facebook to integrate its portal range. The user can ask him to set the alarm clock, give the weather forecast or turn on the radio. Alexa can also be used as an interface to control connected appliances in the home. But the use of a voice assistant is not very intuitive. For example, when Alexa starts the radio, the frequency cannot be changed. So you have to listen to him on a particular radio from the beginning. When started, the radio runs in the background, but the window disappears from the screen. You need to show the drop-down menu at the bottom of the screen to access it or ask Alexa to turn off the radio. The same goes for the alarm function. When the time comes, Portal Go starts to sound, but no window appears on the screen and it is not possible to stop the alarm clock with the portal’s commands: only Alexa can stop the carnage.
Network ID requests resume to use basic applications. These are photos that appear in the album posted on Facebook or in your Instagram account. Otherwise, you can also transfer photos from the smartphone using the portal app. A somewhat obsolete system that reminds me of how iTunes works. This also applies to Calendar: the user has the option to link to his Google Calendar or his Outlook.
Apart from these important applications, others can be downloaded. Among them, Zoom, BlueGenes, Webex and soon Microsoft teams complete the video conferencing experience. They bring a professional dimension to the use of Portal Cov, which can play the role of a second screen on your desktop. Applications to follow the news are also available for download; Music apps with Spotify, Deezer and Tidal.
But the list of those who are not is very long. Instagram, the portal temple that Facebook has so far acquired, does not have its use. There is no video on-demand service (Mikenel, Prime Video, Molotov) or YouTube application, while a 10.1-inch screen is enough to watch series and videos. Some VOIP services like Skype are not included. Smart-Display provides shortcuts to these operating systems, which are somewhat unnecessary because they are simply redirected to the browser. Note thatAmazon Echo Show10 Its screen features Netflix and Molotov services.
All downloaded applications and shortcuts are grouped together in the “Applications” tab.
Finally, we apologize for the lack of fluidity of the smart-display during some orders. Delays can slow down the experience whether you are scrolling through photos, opening the app, exiting it, or opening the device. A very intuitive interface will not enhance this experience. We find that we need to repeatedly search for basic functionality that is easily accessible on other devices in this range.
Screen
Portal Co drops the large black lines used to display the portal. The new version has a 10.1-inch screen of 800 x 1280 pixels and offers the ability to automatically adjust the brightness according to the device’s environment. With a temperature of 6459 K, the smart-display performs better than its predecessor and approaches the expected 6500 K (video standard). Color measurement has also been improved in this model. Our study reveals delta E 4; If it is known to be below 3, the eye will not be able to detect the colorful slip.
This smart-display has a well-scaled screen that can be upgraded. There will be failures in some colors like blue and magenta and they will be very dull.
Color readings are found on the Portal Go screen.
On the other hand, there was no improvement in the response, reaching 55.7%; Knowing that a glass reaches 100%. In comparison, the reflection rateIPod mini Is only 26% and offers pleasant reading conditions indoors or in the sun.
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