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Mark Zuckerberg launches Portal Go and Portal+ through Facebook Live, know their special features and price

Mark Zuckerberg launches Portal Go and Portal+ through Facebook Live, know their special features and price

⚡ Key Points

  • Mark Zuckerberg Portal Go features a 10-inch screen with a built-in battery and is priced at $199 (approx. Rs 14,680).
  • Portal+ offers a 14-inch HD tiltable display and is priced at $349 (approx. Rs 25,746).
  • Both devices are Facebook's third-generation Portal products, launched via Facebook Live on September 21.
  • New Household Mode lets multiple family members share one Portal device, with Microsoft Teams support included.
  • Messenger calls on Portal are now end-to-end encrypted, and multi-device WhatsApp support is arriving soon.
In this article
  1. Mark Zuckerberg Portal Go: Portable Video Calling with a Built-In Battery
  2. Portal+ Specs: Bigger Screen, Tiltable Display
  3. New Software Features: Household Mode and Portal for Business
  4. Household Mode
  5. Portal for Business
  6. Privacy and Connectivity Updates

Mark Zuckerberg Portal Go and Portal+ made their global debut on September 21 via a Facebook Live stream, giving Facebook's third-generation video-calling devices an official launch complete with pricing, pre-order details, and a slate of new software features. Here is everything you need to know about the two new Portal devices, their specs, and how much they cost.

Mark Zuckerberg Portal Go: Portable Video Calling with a Built-In Battery

Portal Go is Facebook's first battery-powered Portal device. It sports a 10-inch screen and is designed for users who want to move freely around the home during video calls. A charging port sits at the bottom of the device while a built-in holder on the upper section lets you carry it comfortably from room to room without dropping a call. The large battery is intended to deliver extended backup, so users can talk to friends and family without worrying about hunting for a power socket mid-conversation.

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The Portal Go is priced at $199 (approximately Rs 14,680) and was available for pre-order through the Portal website at the time of launch, with deliveries scheduled to begin in October.

Portal+ Specs: Bigger Screen, Tiltable Display

Portal+ steps up the experience with a wider 14-inch HD display that can be tilted forward and backward to suit different viewing angles. Despite its larger screen, Portal+ comes in a compact design that fits on a desk or in a kitchen — wherever you spend the most time at home. The bigger display makes it especially suited to group video calls with multiple friends or relatives simultaneously, and the extra screen real estate also makes it a solid option for playing games together with friends remotely.

Mark Zuckerberg revealed the Portal+ price as $349 (approximately Rs 25,746) during the Facebook Live announcement. Like Portal Go, it was available for pre-order via the Portal website with October delivery.

Feature Portal Go Portal+
Display Size 10 inches 14 inches HD
Battery Yes (built-in, rechargeable) No (mains powered)
Display Tilt No Yes (forward and backward)
Price (USD) $199 $349
Price (INR approx.) Rs 14,680 Rs 25,746
Pre-order Available at launch Available at launch
Delivery From October From October

New Software Features: Household Mode and Portal for Business

Alongside the hardware, Zuckerberg announced two new software experience services launching in October.

Household Mode

Household Mode allows multiple family members in the same home to share a single Portal device. Each person in the household can access their own apps and contacts through the shared device, making the Portal a truly communal gadget rather than a personal one. This feature also supports Microsoft Teams, so users can connect with colleagues, friends, and family all from the same device.

Portal for Business

Portal for Business targets small business owners and remote teams. Companies can create dedicated work accounts for different teams and distribute Portal Go or Portal+ units to employees. Businesses can use their own email addresses within the work accounts, keeping personal and professional use separate. Zuckerberg highlighted that the new hardware and these software additions are designed to significantly improve the remote-work experience for users.

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Privacy and Connectivity Updates

WhatsApp calls on Portal were already end-to-end encrypted before this launch. Facebook has now extended end-to-end encryption to Messenger calls on Portal as well. Additionally, multi-device WhatsApp support is coming to Portal in the months ahead.

Facebook also updated the Watch Together feature. Portal users can now watch Facebook Watch content while simultaneously on a Messenger call — and even friends joining the call from a phone, tablet, or laptop can share the viewing experience.

For the full roundup of gadget launches and tech news, visit our Gadgets section.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Facebook Portal Go?

The Facebook Portal Go is priced at $199 in the US, which is approximately Rs 14,680 in Indian currency.

What is the price of the Facebook Portal+?

The Facebook Portal+ is priced at $349 in the US, which is approximately Rs 25,746 in Indian currency.

What makes the Portal Go different from previous Portal devices?

Portal Go is Facebook's first battery-powered Portal device, giving it portability that earlier models lacked. Its 10-inch screen and built-in handle let users carry it between rooms during a call.

What is Household Mode on the new Facebook Portal?

Household Mode is a new software feature that allows multiple family members to share a single Portal device, each accessing their own apps and contacts. It also supports Microsoft Teams.

Are calls on the new Facebook Portal devices private?

Yes. WhatsApp calls on Portal were already end-to-end encrypted. With this launch, Messenger calls on Portal are now end-to-end encrypted as well, and multi-device WhatsApp support is coming in the following months.

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