Facebook is building a set-top box for TV with code name Ripley – TechCrunch



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A mysterious product called "Ripley" appeared hidden next to Facebook new smart views of the portal in Facebook for Android code. Dig through Frequent TechCrunch Predictions Jane Manchun Wong a week ago, Ripley's name is in line with Rafa Camargo's Facebook portal vice-president, Rafa Camargo, who said: "We are already investing in expanding the product line with the number of products we want to launch. next year".

This Facebook device will be a device equipped with a camera that connects to the TV to allow video chat and media viewing, according to Alex Heath of Cheddar.

Facebook portal devices are desktop or countertop and cost $ 199 for a smaller screen and $ 349 for a larger screen. But with Ripley, Facebook could sell a much cheaper complement without a screen for TVs already available.

Ripley's name may change before the eventual launch of next year, which should take place in the spring of 2019, according to Cheddar. It could become something more evocative of the purpose of the device. But whatever the name, it is certain that skepticism will be great because of Facebook's privacy and security issues. Many users do not trust Facebook enough to install one of their camcorders and microphones in their home.

Ripley is said to be running on the same Portal operating system that relies on the same open source Android framework. This means that it could carry a similar range of features. These include the Portal's automatic zoom camera that can track users to stay in the frame, the video chat via Messenger, a smart photo frame not to use it, Facebook Watch videos, Alexa voice control and a third-party application platform, including video. content from outside developers.

While users sometimes watch recipe or news videos on Portal, entertainment can be at the heart of Ripley. The device would allow Facebook to compete with Roku, Amazon, Apple and other set-top boxes. The device could also become a natural home for Facebook's video ads, even if it does not place them on Portal for the moment.

In addition to smart speakers, whoever creates what plugs into our TVs will control a fundamental kernel of future home computing. Facebook will not abandon this market despite its disadvantage due to its numerous scandals.

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