Facebook’s TV Device Excels at Video Calls But Can’t Replace a Set-Top Box
The Portal TV’s ability to let you video chat from the big screen feels futuristic, but it won’t replace your Roku or Apple TV.
Facebook’s Portal TV device.
Photographer: Michael Short/BloombergFacebook’s new Portal TV video chat device won’t do much to take away share from Apple Inc., Roku Inc. or Amazon in the TV space. But unlike the regular version of the device, its functionality is unique and compelling enough that some consumers will want to add it to their living rooms — if they are willing to spend more than they would on any Amazon or Roku box.
The concept is simple enough that it’s surprising another technology giant hasn’t released such a device: a gadget that turns your big-screen TV into a video conferencing hub. The gadget can be situated either below or above your screen and basically turns your television into a jumbo-sized video chat screen.