With a new update today, the Facebook Portal can be used exclusively with a WhatsApp log-in and calls — no Facebook account needed. Previously, the Portal could call people on WhatsApp, but callers still needed to create and log in with an active Facebook account. The original countertop Portal and the new Portal TV are genuinely great video-chatting devices, with clear pictures, easy-to-use interfaces, fun face filters, and a smart camera that makes it seamless to have several people onscreen even little ones who move around a lot. Of course, I also realize that nobody wants one in their home, because, you know…what dummy would allow an always-on Facebook video camera into their home? Now you can use WhatsApp to log in and make calls to other WhatsApp users. WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted, which is more secure than just the Portal via Messenger calls.
Starting up your Portal
Logging in to Facebook
The Facebook Portal smart display is great at making video calls to Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp contacts, and while its setup process is easy, it is somewhat lengthy. Insert the power cord into the back of the Portal, and plug it into an outlet. After the Portal connects to your network, it will automatically download and install the latest update. During this time, you can take a virtual tour of the device. After the Portal has finished downloading the update, it will ask you to restart it. Once the Portal has restarted, press continue to agree to the terms of service.
Feature Encouragement
Setting up your Facebook Portal is a super easy process that will take you just a few minutes. First, you need to power up your Portal. Plug the power cord that came with it into the back of the screen, then plug it into the wall.
You can have up to 4 accounts linked to your Portal TV. The accounts you add must be Facebook friends with an account already connected to your Portal TV. Your Portal contacts are the Facebook friends, Messenger connections and WhatsApp contacts of all accounts linked to your Portal. With Portal, you can make and receive calls to and from your Facebook friends, Messenger connections and WhatsApp contacts. You can add or remove photos by tapping the toggle next to any albums or photo collections listed in the Superframe settings menu. When you're not on a call, Superframe can display photos of your choosing. You can remove apps from your Portal home screen by pressing and holding on the app, selecting the X on the app you'd like to remove and tapping Done to save your edits. After you set up your Portal, you'll have a selection of apps already installed and a selection of apps available for download. Tap the app you'd like to connect and follow the on-screen instructions.
