Meta's Portal Smart Displays Can Now Serve as Second Screens for PCs
Meta is taking advantage of the burgeoning work-from-home culture to introduce two new features(Opens in a new window) that turn its Portal smart displays into second screens for PCs and enhance the video-calling experience on Macs.
Most video-conferencing devices sit unused until it's time for a weekly family catch-up or team meeting. But instead of gathering dust on the kitchen counter during off hours, the Portal+ and Portal Go can now do double duty as second displays.
Portal devices now support Duet Display, a third-party app that turns Android and Apple phones and tablets (and now Portals) into a second screen for a Mac or PC. Download it on your Portal from the app store and on the Mac or PC via duetdisplay.com(Opens in a new window). It's available for free in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, the UK, and the US for Portal+ (Gen 2), and in Canada, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US for Portal Go.
"You can work on multiple apps, juggle complex tasks, and get things done faster—so you don't need to take up desk space with a separate monitor," according to Meta, which assumes your WFH setup already includes a Portal device in the vicinity.
Mac users with a touch-based Portal (Go, Plus, 10-inch, or the now-defunct Mini) can tap into the Companion app(Opens in a new window) to share their computer screen while on a call. Available for free in the UK and US, the feature provides quick access to controls for raising your hand, muting yourself, and adjusting the volume. It also lets folks send meeting, video, or website links to view on a connected Portal.
"In today's hybrid work environment, having a comfortable and convenient working space is more important than ever," Meta says. "Meta Portal
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