Facebook: Introducing Two New Portals, Including the First Portable Version
Today, we’re welcoming two new additions to the Portal family of video calling devices: the 10-inch portable Portal Go, priced at $199 USD, and our next-gen Portal+ with a 14-inch HD tilting display priced at $349 USD. Portal Go and Portal+ will begin shipping October 19; pre-orders are open now at portal.facebook.com. We’re also introducing…
Today, we’re welcoming two new additions to the Portal family of video calling devices: the 10-inch portable Portal Go, priced at $199 USD, and our next-gen Portal+ with a 14-inch HD tilting display priced at $349 USD. Portal Go and Portal+ will begin shipping October 19; pre-orders are open now at portal.facebook.com. We’re also introducing new features for small businesses with Portal for Business.
Portal Go and the New Portal+
Portal Go brings the best of Portal Smart Camera video calling to a new, portable version. It’s designed to let conversations move from room to room, with an integrated handle and long-lasting battery to make portability easier. Portal Go includes a 12MP camera with an ultrawide field of view for immersive video calls. And it doubles as a portable speaker with room-filling sound to listen to your favorite music throughout your home.
Our new 14-inch Portal+ also features a 12MP Smart Camera with an ultrawide field of view. Its stereo speakers deliver high-fidelity sound for crystal-clear audio. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, Portal makes a perfect dedicated screen for work calls, freeing up your computer to take notes, view a presentation or multitask. And it’s also great for connecting with family and friends when the work day is over.
More Than Video Calling
While Portal’s main attraction is video calling, there are other features that you can enjoy throughout the day. Get in a groove with the music you love on Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more, and enjoy rich high-fidelity sound on Portal anytime you launch your favorite playlist. Portal is also a great digital photo frame. You can display your favorite Facebook and Instagram photos or add images from your phone’s camera roll. And with shared albums, you can display and share your favorite memories with friends and family.
Portal Means Business
With remote work becoming a long-term strategy, distributed teams can benefit from feeling like they’re together in the same room. So we’re reimagining how Portal is used work — at home and in the office — by unlocking opportunities for collaboration in the spaces where business gets done.
Beginning in December, we’re adding support for Microsoft Teams for all Portal touch-based devices including Portal Go and Portal+. With a dedicated device for Teams, you’ll have everything you need to maintain your work rhythm with features including calendar, contacts, file sharing, and chat. Plus, Teams has Microsoft security built-in with Microsoft Intune app protection.
We’re also introducing Portal for Business, a new service for SMBs to leverage Portal’s video calling and collaboration tools by easily deploying and managing Portal devices. With Portal for Business, SMBs will be able to create and manage Facebook Work Accounts for their teams. This is a new account type on Portal and will be available for many Facebook work products over the coming year. Learn more about Facebook Work Accounts.
Portal Device Manager lets companies manage devices that have been set up by employees with access to Portal for Business. It makes it easy to deploy and manage Portal devices with features to control Work Accounts, manage device settings, see device status and reboot or factory reset these devices — all remotely, no matter where your workforce is located.
Portal for Business is currently in closed beta in the US. If you’d like to learn more about Portal for Business or participate in our early access program, please visit portal.facebook.com/business.
Microsoft introduces new adapted AI models for industry
Across every industry, AI is creating a fundamental shift in what’s possible, enabling new use cases and driving business outcomes. While organizations around the world recognize the value and potential of AI, for AI to be truly effective it must be tailored to specific industry needs. Today, we’re announcing adapted AI models, expanding our industry……
Across every industry, AI is creating a fundamental shift in what’s possible, enabling new use cases and driving business outcomes. While organizations around the world recognize the value and potential of AI, for AI to be truly effective it must be tailored to specific industry needs. Today, we’re announcing adapted AI models, expanding our industry…
As an employer committed to the hydration revolution, choosing the right water cooler is likely to be front of mind. When it comes to workplace hydration, employee satisfaction, and even your business’s eco-footprint, bottled water coolers and plumbed-in water coolers are two of the most popular choices. Each comes with its advantages and considerations.
This guide is on-point in helping you determine which is the best fit for your office needs.
Bottled water coolers | Flexibility and simplicity
Bottled water coolers offer a convenient and flexible option for many businesses and homes. These systems use large water bottles that are easy to replace, making them a reliable option in spaces where access to a water line may be limited or where fresh, filtered water is a priority and where several hydration hubs are ideal for your employees.
Key benefits of bottled water coolers
Ease of setup: Bottled water dispensers don’t require any special plumbing. Simply plug in the cooler, place the bottle on top, and it’s ready for use. This flexibility allows bottled coolers to be placed almost anywhere, making them ideal for smaller offices, rented spaces, or areas without easy access to a water source.
Quality assurance: Many bottled water cooler suppliers offer high-quality, purified or mineral water, providing a fresh, pure taste that’s hard to beat. This option is especially appealing for businesses that prioritise offering premium amenities to their employees or clients. (You also have the choice to rent or buy).
Portability: Since bottled water dispensers are independent of any plumbing system, they can be moved easily from one location to another. This portability is a significant advantage for businesses that may need to relocate or reconfigure their office space.
Potential considerations for bottled water coolers
Storage space: Bottled water dispensers require storage space for the additional water bottles. If space is limited, especially in a busy office, finding room for multiple large bottles can become challenging.
Bottle replacement and maintenance: Bottles need to be replaced periodically, which can add to logistical tasks in a busy office. This type of maintenance may require having someone dedicated to monitoring and replacing bottles when needed.
Environmental impact: Although bottles are often reusable – and certainly cut down radically on single-use plastic – regular replacement can lead to increased plastic usage. For environmentally-conscious businesses, considering a more sustainable water option may be a priority.
Plumbed-in water coolers | Continuous hydration without the hassle
Plumbed-in, mains-fed or point-of-use water coolers connect directly to your building’s water supply, providing a constant flow of fresh, filtered water that is chilled, hot (or even sparkling). There are freestanding, countertop or under-counter options depending on your space limitations or preference. These systems are ideal for larger businesses with high water consumption or for those seeking a long-term solution that doesn’t require bottle replacement.
Key benefits of plumbed-in water coolers
Unlimited water supply: With a direct connection to the water line, plumbed-in coolers provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered water. This can be a game-changer for larger offices or high-traffic areas where water usage is constant.
Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial setup of a plumbed-in cooler may be higher, these systems often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. Without the need to purchase and replace bottles, the ongoing cost remains low, which can translate into significant savings over time.
Eco-friendly: By eliminating the need for plastic bottles, plumbed-in water coolers are a more environmentally friendly option. Businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact will appreciate the reduced plastic waste and carbon footprint associated with this choice.
Low maintenance: Plumbed-in coolers typically require less attention than bottled water coolers, as there’s no need to monitor bottle levels or manage deliveries. Maintenance is often limited to occasional filter replacements, which can be handled by service providers.
Potential considerations for plumbed-in water coolers
Installation requirements: Setting up a plumbed-in cooler requires access to a water line, which may not be available in every location. For rented offices or spaces with limited plumbing infrastructure, this setup could pose a challenge.
Limited portability: Unlike bottled water dispensers, plumbed-in systems are generally fixed once installed. If you plan to relocate or rearrange your office frequently, this lack of flexibility may be a downside.
Water quality: While plumbed-in coolers offer filtered water, the taste and quality may depend on the local water supply. In areas where water quality varies, bottled water might be preferred for its consistent taste and purity. For cold water, ice needs to be added or water needs to be first chilled in the fridge.
Which water cooler is right for you?
Ultimately, the decision between a bottled water cooler and a plumbed-in water cooler comes down to your unique needs, space, and sustainability goals. Here are a few key considerations to help guide your choice:
For small offices and portability needs: If you have a smaller office or need flexibility in terms of location, a bottled water cooler may be the best choice. Its ease of setup and portability make it ideal for spaces without access to a water line.
For large workplaces and high consumption: If your office has high water usage or if you’re looking for a solution that’s more hands-off, a plumbed-in water cooler provides a continuous supply of filtered water without the need for bottle replacements.
For eco-friendly businesses: If sustainability is a priority, the plumbed-in cooler’s reduced plastic waste makes it the more eco-friendly option.
For premium taste & quality: If taste and water quality are essential, a bottled cooler with high-quality spring or mineral water may offer a more satisfying drinking experience.
Hydration that works for your workplace
Both bottled and plumbed-in water coolers have unique advantages that can support your hydration goals. Choose the cooler that aligns with your needs, space, and environmental values, and you’ll have a hydration solution that keeps your team refreshed, productive, and thriving.
Facebook: Facebook and Instagram to Offer Subscription for No Ads in Europe
We will significantly reduce the price of Subscription for no ads, and offer people in the EU an additional new choice to use Facebook and Instagram for free with less personalized ads. Source
We will significantly reduce the price of Subscription for no ads, and offer people in the EU an additional new choice to use Facebook and Instagram for free with less personalized ads.