Zoom rooms soon to be disabled on Meta Portal hardware

[Jim22]

We use a fleet of Meta Portals (10inch and Plus size) in the office. These work marvelously as Zoom Rooms clients and can be easily managed by the admin. I have noted after a recent meeting using one of the devices that a message appeared saying Meta (Facebook) will remove the Zoom app from the device in few weeks on January 31st.

I dug around online and there is absolutely zero information on any upcoming change on Meta's website. However, Zoom has a support page which confirms it.

If this were to happen, the Zoom Room clients would stop operating, correct? I mean, Rooms can't work without the Zoom app, it would seem. It is unclear if this is Meta's decision or Zoom's, but given that the app is set to be "removed" as opposed to simply becoming inoperable hints at Meta's hand. Is there nothing Zoom can do to talk them out of it? It's a 3rd party service, what does the hardware manufacturer care? Does Zoom have another hardware partner offering the same Zoom Rooms touchscreen functionality but who is more committed to their customer than Meta?

[dz92130]

I believe it is Zoom’s decision, not meta’s.  We liked the Zoom feature on the Portals, too.  So sad to see it go.  Zoom should at least allow it to continue without support instead of removing it.  I hope Zoom will reconsider.

[NRPS]

have you found any suitable replacements? I use it to teach my online classes and computers are too bulky and big. I also like how we can adjust the camera, so much better than a computer camera 

[alexrb1]

Didn't realized this was a thing... I was just in a zoom meeting and it ended and when I went to the apps, it is GONE. This can't be. I was only using this device for Zoom meetings. Now it is a big brick. 

[Jae2647]

Same thing happened to me in the middle of a class!!   And it wont reinstall.  Very frustrating.  Have been using it so that my husband who has Parkinsons can participate in online classes.  

[juderussellyoga]

Same thing happened to us - we've been using the Portal camera to livestream yoga classes in our second / smaller studio. Using a 4 camera set-up with a Blackmagic switcher in our big room.
We do not use the full portal with a screen, so it was a small hassle but imminently doable to buy a mini Win11, add a webcam, and a presentation remote / mouse and we are back in business.

We got 2.5 years out of the Portal device which is not too bad. They were really great devices with everything integrated and easy to use with a simple remote.  But now I have two devices (one at the studio, one at home) that are effectively bricks.....

[donald1x]

Same here. I have a few Meta Portal TV acting as mini conference room zoom devices. I love the way the mic pick up voices around even a 100sqft room. Great for living room or small office. 
Anyone can persuade Meta to release the codes to the greater developer community?

[MGSR]

Hello Community Members,

We do apologize for the inconvenience.

For alternatives, you can refer to this link https://www.zoom.com/en/hardware/ for Zoom's recommended hardware. Additionally, we also recommend using Zoom on AppleTV with the Apple Continuity Camera feature as a solid alternative.

[hiserve]

I couldn't see any hardware listed that would be in my budget. The Portal go was so convenient for small groups - can't justify paying hundreds for a replacement. Might have to abandon paying for Zoom

[Frank_TB]

Hello,

According to Meta;

Portal devices are at its end of era. Meta Portal Devices End of Life has been announced via Email in December 2022 and sales of Portal devices have stopped on December 31, 2022 some of the features will at some point in time no longer.

• In June 2022, Meta announced plans to phase out the Portal as a consumer product. 
• In November 2022, Meta announced that it would discontinue the Portal and two unreleased smartwatches. 
• Meta cut the Portal to address the Reality Labs division's losses. 

https://www.change.org/p/ask-meta-facebook-to-open-up-portal-to-avoid-over-1400-000-electronics-wast... 

[alexrb1]

It doesn't matter. You don't reach into someone's device and uninstall the software without their permission. There are tons of other SW & HW that is out of support.. It means just that... no suport .. not lets turn it into a brick. I don't expect Google or Apple or Samsung to come to my house and take my phone, laptop or TV away when they don't support it. I still use a 7 year old phone as a home assistant screen in my garage - no one tried to brick it.

[leosantos31]

That's not nice! A lot of people have purchased this device for the reason why we purchased it in the first place. It's not up to the developer to say, "We will turn your portal into a brick now", just because. Heck, I only use my portal for Zoom meetings and Youtube! At least make Zoom available in the BROWSER APP. You're letting us down, Zoom!!!