Facebook ‘Ripley’ could be a streaming box for Watch videos with built-in camera

The Mark Zuckerberg-led company is trying really hard to build a consumer hardware business. Earlier this month, it launched two smart displays dubbed Portal and Portal+, which are similar to devices like Amazon’s Echo Show and Google Home Hub. The Portal, which retails for $199 (or approx Rs 14,646), has a 10.1-inch display and integrated speakers. The Portal+, on the other hand, has a bigger 15.6-inch display and will retail for $349 (or approx Rs 25,670). Whereas the Portal has a fixed display, the Portal+ has a screen that can be rotated either vertically or horizontally. Both the devices feature four microphones and a built-in webcam for video chats. Just in case you are worried about privacy, there’s an option to disable microphones and camera.

Also read: Q&A: What is the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook controversy all about?

Facebook has launched a device like Portal at a time when the social networking company has been criticized for invading user’s privacy and security. The company already came under fire earlier this year over the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook controversy, and recently, it revealed that another 50 million accounts were compromised.