It appears Facebook is about to get a lot more serious about hardware. Not long after it launched its Portal video calling devices, it’s being reported that the company is working on a TV camera which will allow users to make video calls using the biggest screen in their house. Not only that, the device may also enable users to stream content from Facebook Watch on their TV.
This camera-equipped device is reportedly going to sit on top of a TV and allow video calling and access to Facebook Watch, the company’s dedicated hub for video content. The project is said to use the same core technology as the Portal device. It uses artificial intelligence to detect and follow people automatically as they move in the frame during the video call.
Facebook hasn’t said anything about such a device at this point in time. The report claims that the company is aiming to launch this product in the spring of next year. Since the device is still in development the date could be changed.
No word as yet on what this device might cost. It will enable Facebook to establish a footing in a market that has largely been dominated by the likes of Amazon, Roku, and Google with their affordable streaming products. The kicker here would be that Facebook’s device will let users make video calls as well.
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