Facebook reveals Portal video-calling devices, assures public they were 'built with privacy' in mind
While Facebook's video calling smart home devices have long been in the works, the wake of another major data privacy scandal doesn't feel like the best time for the new products to launch. But perhaps still adhering to the "Move fast and break things" mantra it's famous for, the social media has done just that. It launched the Portal and Portal+ today, both Amazon Alexa-enabled video calling devices.
The main selling point of these devices is that the cameras track action and automatically pan and zoom to keep the subjects of the video in view. The devices also advertise the ability to enhance the voice of whoever is talking, regardless of where they move, while minimizing background noise.
Of course, we all know the main detractor from buying either of these devices — Facebook's shaky to downright-inexcusable history with users' data privacy. So the company is addressing that issue right off the bat, writing in its announcement that the devices are "built with privacy + security in mind."
The company goes so far as to ship the Portals with a physical camera cover, and promises that it doesn't "listen, view, or keep the contents of your Portal video calls." Plus, the AI tech runs locally, it reports, and the camera doesn't use facial recognition or identify users.
The only video calling platform the device supports is Messenger, of course. But the company has collaborated with Amazon to build-in Alexa as voice AI, delivering the functionality of an Echo device. Even as these two tech giants team up, though, Facebook has asserted ownership over the device by offering its own controls, as well. Users can say "Hey Portal" and note who they'd like to call, signalling Facebook may have aspirations for Portal to become a larger AI brand. Facebook promises you can delete Portal's voice history in your Facebook Activity log.
In video calls, Facebook is offering integrations with Spotify Premium, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and its own video platform to let users watch or listen to content together on a call. There's also a new "Story Time" AR feature for video calls with kids. When video calling is not active, the device can display photos, videos, and notifications like birthday reminders.
The Portal has a 10-inch 1280 x 800 pixel display and looks quite similar to the Amazon Echo Show in form factor, while its bigger sibling has a 15-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel display that can pivot on its base. The latter looks more like a tablet mounted on a stand.
The Portal and Portal+ are now available for pre-order in the US at Amazon, Best Buy and portal.facebook.com for $199 USD and $349 USD respectively. For those who are brave enough with their data to purchase two, there's a $100 discount.
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