Social media giant Facebook is upgrading its video call hardware portal. The update would allow 50 people per call.
As the majority of the world is in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, people are flocking video conferencing platforms. Facebook is challenging the current leader, Zoom, with its latest update to its Portal devices.
The upgrade allows Portal devices to support Messenger Rooms. Before the update, Portal is only limited to just eight people through Messenger and four people through WhatsApp. The upgrade is a welcome addition as the social media giant ramps up its battle against Zoom.
Video conferencing supremacy
Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams report a surge of user activity following the coronavirus pandemic. The reason behind this is relatively simple, people are looking for alternative platforms to hold meetings. With social distancing in full effect, people are finding it extremely efficient to use video conferencing services instead.
The latest update also brings a lot of new features into Portal devices. Dynamic backgrounds on calls are now available when using Messenger or Messenger Rooms. There is a dedicated Portal Spaces option to activate this feature.
Now you can broadcast to Facebook Live right from your Portal. What would you share live with your friends, family and fans? 📢🤔 #Portal #FeelThere https://t.co/TI3Go3917c pic.twitter.com/3GwXbUAggk
— Portal from Facebook (@PortalFacebook) June 16, 2020
Regular Portal, Portal Mini, and Portal+ devices are now capable of broadcasting directly to Pages and Groups. Additionally, new AR effects and virtual greetings cards are also available with the update.
Facebook is also expanding the capabilities of its Portal devices. The company says that it will roll out new voice control functions within the next few weeks.
Facebook is ramping up new features
In its bid to surpass Zoom as the leader in videoconferencing, Facebook is throwing a lot of new features into its platform whether that be by supports more people into a single call or new virtual cards.
The tech giant says in a statement:
“Previously, the Facebook Live app on Portal let you broadcast your personal profile, and now you can also go Live on your Facebook Pages and Groups.”
Although the Portal devices did not hit the market well after its launch, it is finding its traction lately. The device, with all its new functionalities, is becoming a favorite platform for many videoconferencing users.
With still no cure available, people will be forced to stay and work at home. This is why videoconferencing platforms are some of the most widely used applications. Facebook knows this, and the company is reacting well with its latest updates to Portal.
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