Facebook is planning to launch camera-equipped TV set-top-box

Despite continuing scandals around privacy and personal security, Facebook is gradually developing its hardware business. The fact that Facebook is working on a set-top-box connected to a TV was published in October 2018. According to the publication, the project is called Ripley.

Now it became known that Facebook turned to Netflix, Disney, Hulu, HBO and Amazon with a proposal to stream their content on its device. According to the publication by the Information, the device, codenamed Catalina, will use the same video call technology as the Portal smart display for Facebook video chats. It will also have a physical remote control. The company expects to introduce the device in autumn, 2019.

It is still unknown, at what stage the negotiations with streaming companies are, but it one more time proves the growing demand for digital TV and streaming services hardware.