Definition: Meta Portal

A video-calling Alexa virtual assistant from Meta Platforms. Introduced in 2018, Portal products were discontinued four years later. Portals communicate via Zoom, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other calling services, and the camera follows callers within a 140-degree periphery. Portal also automatically zooms in and out (see Ken Burns effect). In 2019, a set-top box was added so people could use their TV screen and speakers.

The last models were updated versions of the original 10" Portal and flagship Portal Plus, along with the TV adapter and battery-operated Portal Go. In 2022, Meta announced the end of the line. See smart display and Facebook.

Original Two Models (2018)

In 2021, the 10" Portal (left) was updated, and the Portal Plus (right) switched to landscape mode and smaller screen (15.6" to 14"). Although the original Plus was rotatable, the newer model could be tilted. (Images courtesy of Meta Platforms, Inc.)