When I first sat down to write this article, I struggled. A lot. Like so many other folks, I had read about Cambridge Analytica and the other ways the social media giant misused user data. But the headlines surrounding Facebook are still pretty bleak. Most recently, Facebook has been in the news for how it handles fact-checking of political ads. Presidential hopeful Sen.

What is Facebook Portal?


Makes video calls with Messenger and WhatsApp
Facebook expands its smart home reach with a refresh that includes two new devices. Facebook introduced two new Portal devices in addition to a refresh of its inch Portal smart screen this week. They join the first-edition Portal Plus , which has not been updated. The devices are designed primarily with video calling in mind and are controlled using Facebook's own "Hey, Portal" voice service, as well as via built-in Alexa functionality. Conversations over privacy have eclipsed sales of Portal devices over the last year, making clear the social networking giant is battling its own reputation for market share. Not to mention, stiff competition from the likes of Apple , Google and Amazon have further thwarted Facebook's attempt to stake a serious claim in the fast-growing smart home space. Even if you're not considering buying hardware from a company still at the heart of continuing privacy concerns , here's what you need to know about Facebook's new line of Portal smart devices, including what it says about how Facebook plans to manage your data going forward. Since its inception last year, Facebook Portal mostly lets you video chat with your Facebook friends. The unit sits on a desk or table or near your TV, and the camera follows as you walk around, so you can talk to someone completely hands-free while doing other things.
Follow The Verge online:
Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. Please enter a question. With Alexa Built-in, you can access thousands of Alexa skills hands-free. And you can make video calls to and from smartphones and tablets, so you can stay in touch even if friends and family don't have Portal.
These are essentially video-calling devices that use Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to call or message friends, family and colleagues. Facebook Portal is a video communication device from Facebook. These are devices that are styled to look like digital photo frames and to sit nicely in your home as a beautiful and intelligent display until the time comes to place or receive a call. The focus of these devices is very much on video calling and "putting people at the centre". Facebook hopes the Portal range of smart displays will help connect more people in your life more easily. They each have different designs aesthetics, but they're both focused on video chatting and meant to make it feel like you're in the same room with the person on the other end of the call. As we mentioned, calls can also be placed via Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, so end-to-end encryption is an option. This tech enables the cameras to recognise people and then follow them around the room and automatically pan and zoom while also minimising background noise and enhancing the voice of whoever is calling.