Facebook's Portal = a limited, massive video chat device by the world's least trusted company

Source: Engadget

Just about the entire world let out a collective gasp when Facebook announced they were releasing two video-calling smart displays. To put it in perspective, the company responsible for completely misusing user data in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the one that less than 1% actually trust with privacy, was releasing a device with a camera and microphone that you are supposed to put in your home. A device that they couldn't even be clear about in regards to how data would be collected and used.

Well, that device is now available.

Let's put Facebook out of our minds for now, and just focus on the device. For one, they are kind of cool looking in a futuristic way except for the fact they are absolutely gargantuan compared to similar devices. The Portal, as it is called, comes in two sizes: the standard 10.1" and the Plus version at 15.6". The Portal bares striking resemblances to the Echo Show with its large bezels, bottom speaker, and podium-look. Despite a larger footprint, it seems pretty standard for smart displays. The Portal Plus, however, looks like it belongs on the Orville (or in a store). The large kiosk-looking device has a huge screen, on a slim silver pedestal, that can be turned from landscape to portrait mode at will (Surface-like),

As for the experience, well, according to The Verge, it can be pretty mixed. Video calling, the main feature of the Portal, ranks toward the top in experience thanks to some software tweaking from Facebook, The 12 MP, 140-degree FOV "Smart Camera" used by Facebook is capable of tracking as you move about making sure you are always in optimal position on the call; this is something that is often criticized on other smart displays. In addition, the speakers appear to be excellent, and the physical and "virtual" microphones apparently pick up sound with superb clarity.

Unfortunately, it is the software on the Portal that appears to be lacking. Alexa, oddly present on the Portal, is not the full experience as on the Echo, and it lacks any other assistant that does something other than change volume. Currently, it does not have any apps such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime, YouTube or other video services, and it does not support "casting" of any kind. Outside, of Spotify, there are no entertainment services on the Portal, and video chat, as expected, is limited to Facebook Messenger.

Even with its current limitations, the design is very interesting and "cool" despite the large size, and Messenger is still pretty popular as a messaging platform. With that in mind, you may be tempted to purchase one, but there is one big thing to remember: Facebook. Facebook, and Zuckerberg by extension, is probably the most polarizing company in history. Many people still love Facebook (the product), and it is still a solid source for news and catching-up. However, Facebook (the company) is still deeply mistrusted and loathed. They have even admitted that it is possible the data collected via Portal may be used for ads (although, at one point, they also said it wouldn't?).

The question remains: do you trust Facebook enough to put an always-listening, always-seeing screen in your house? Even though Facebook has made it a point to explain how secure it will be as well as highlighting the camera shutter and microphone-mute button, I cannot imagine many willing to take that chance, especially on a smart display that is only about 25% as smart as its similarly priced competitors.