Facebook Portal Mini - Smart Video Calling 8” Touch Screen Display with Alexa - White

Bought this for my 76-year-old mother. Have been looking for a completely foolproof way to do calls and video-conferencing with her. After countless devices thru the years, I can say that I finally found it. The interface is really streamlined and (almost completely) foolproof. With the WhatsApp and messenger accounts properly set up, she simply has to touch on the favorite contacts that rest right on the front screen. One tap to call, one tap to pickup. Cant beat that! If for some reason gets out of the main screen (not as easy to happen as in an iPad) or whatever, its (mostly) simple for her to get back to square 0. After several months it never had any problem (i.e. logging out, or asking for the user to validate options or updates, that would be an issue for my mother to deal with). For someone that lives far away from their parents, you can understand how this is gold! It beats the iPad (that she also has but barely uses, and is still a continuous training) that ends up having too many possibilities. Same for Alexas devices that end up having too many options and quickly she can get lost or complicated for someone not used to UXs and smart devices. Aside from the simplicity of the interface, the camera picture qualify is great and the speakers are pretty acceptable. The auto-zoom feature is very useful, however, dont expect this to be like Facetime in your face. The device has some other possibilities and an app store. Facebook is trying to add more apps to it, but frankly, it seems pretty limited still. It is a shame because it is a very powerful VC device. It has already the GoToMeeting app, and would be great if they could add Zoom. Privacy concerns are warranted. The best you can do is use the physical latch to cover the camera (that also is supposed to shut down the mic). But that is a trade-off that I accepted with my mothers device. I got the Portal TV for my own house (and use the latch) and I am waiting for WhatsApp to release the multi-device feature to buy another one for my Mother. If you want an easy, comfortable efficient way to do Video-conferencing, you use WhatsApp and/or Messenger, this is a great device!

It’s THE BEST piece of tech nobody talks about, I don’t get it. WhatsApp or Messenger video or audio calls + Alexa + Speaker from any device or computer via Spotify + Tablet mode + YouTubeTV or second screen to any streaming you may have + Zoom-style calls on Messenger Rooms + “show me front door” smart home integration + digital photo portrait etc, etc... and the list goes ON for $100!

Great product for communicating with others, I use it for most of my group messenger calls. It’s doesn’t allow some basic features when going live but it wasn’t created for that purpose.

This item is wonderful and so needed. No one is allowed into nursing homes being locked down My sister is in a nursing home and with the virus going around, communication is hard to come by. No fault of the home, they are overwhelmed with changing rules and demands of running the place as well as they do. Simple to set up and operate. She just pushes my picture and then video and boom we see and talk to each other. Wifi is of course needed and an outlet. The home made sure it was connected. We are both ecstatic over this little miracle device. Works excellent and life is good. It also has pictures from Facebook to see when not being used as a calling device. Perfect, easy to use and happy people.

I like the fact I can talk face to face with my son who lives in Germany!

Great

Very poor product. No ethernet port, no stand alone, must be plugged in at all times to work and cord is very short! Would not reccomend this product to my enemies, maybe taliban but no one else. Do not buy this lousy product!

So easy to use Can FaceTime 7 people Amazing

Best Christmas gift they loved them better quality then the echo ones.

This is so dope, I didn’t think I would really like it. It’s great though. It’s like you have to right by the WiFi to set it up & then it’s cool after that. Now everyone in my house want their own.