Meta extends developer tools to deprecated Portal devices

Meta has enabled Android Debug Bridge (ADB) access on its deprecated Portal devices, a move that extends the scope of developer tools previously released for its Quest headsets. The announcement was made by Meta executive Andrew Bosworth, who confirmed that the utilities shipped to Quest users last week are now operational on the discontinued Portal line.

ADB is a command-line tool that facilitates communication with a device, allowing for deeper technical interaction and development. While the specific scope of affected hardware, including exact models or firmware versions, was not detailed, the update marks a significant shift in support for legacy Meta hardware, which is now officially classified as deprecated by the company.

Bosworth shared the development on social media, noting that the tools were recently shipped for Quest devices. To demonstrate the new capabilities on Portal hardware, he showcased a personal "home hub" project. He described the project as something he "vibe coded" over a few months as the team began experimenting with the new access methods.

The demonstration serves as a preliminary indicator of functionality for the extended ADB access. However, claims regarding the stability or broad utility of the access are based on this single executive showcase and should be treated as such until independent testing or broader developer feedback is reported. The informal nature of the "vibe coded" description also suggests this is an experimental or personal development effort rather than a formalised methodology.

This development follows the recent rollout of ADB tools for Quest headsets, which occurred last week. The extension to Portal devices provides developers with continued access to command-line utilities on hardware that Meta has otherwise moved away from, potentially allowing for niche or custom applications on the legacy platform.