Apparently, Facebook is working on a camera-equipped device for TV
Social media giant Facebook is said to be working on a new camera-equipped device, one that would pair up with your TV and offer video calling and content streaming services on a bigger screen. The device, according to people familiar with Facebook's hardware activities, has been codenamed "Ripley" and is still in the works. Here are more details.
Portal's experience with Ripley
The new device would use the same technology as Facebook's recently introduced 'Portal' - a video chatting device, the sources said while speaking to Cheddar. It will provide content streaming services via Facebook Watch, but more interestingly, will transform your TV into a big-screen video calling device. This could give Facebook an edge over other players in the same segment, including Amazon and Google.
Details about Facebook's Portal
Portal comes in two variants, one with a 10-inch screen and other with a 15.6-inch panel. Both devices enable video calling with an AI that identifies, tracks and keeps people in the same frame. As for content streaming, they use Facebook Watch at present.
No word on launch, as of now
As Facebook's spokesperson denied commenting on the matter, there's not much to know about the TV device. However, the sources have noted the company is planning a launch for Spring 2019. With that, they added the device is still in the works, which means the timeline is tentative and can change in the future.
But, who wants Facebook's giant camera in living room?
The idea of a content streaming TV set-top box with video calling capabilities sounds interesting. But, considering it's Facebook, many, including us, would have a fair share of doubt. The company has unraveled a series of privacy scandals off-late - most recently a massive data breach - and it could be hard to convince people to get another Facebook-built camera into their living rooms.
