Meta Portal - Smart Video Calling for the Home with 10” Touch Screen Display - Black

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Facebook Portal, and I must say, it’s a game-changer for staying connected with loved ones. The device boasts impressive features, making it more than just a regular video calling tool. One of the standout features is the smart camera technology. The camera automatically follows you as you move around during video calls, ensuring you stay in the frame without the need for readjustments. It makes conversations feel more natural and immersive, especially when you have young kids or pets running around. The sound quality is excellent, providing clear and crisp audio during calls. The built-in speakers deliver impressive volume and bass, enhancing the overall video calling experience. I found it perfect for catching up with friends and family, even in noisy environments. Setting up the Facebook Portal was a breeze. The device guided me through the process, and once connected, the user interface was intuitive and easy to navigate. The touchscreen display is responsive, making it simple to access apps and features.

I have the 1st Gen and decided to buy this upgraded model. I love them both Let me start off by saying if you are not a Facebook user than this may not be the device for you. It's for voice and video chatting with family and friends on Facebook or WhatsApp. It has other apps like Facebook Watch and live [Updated, Live is no longer available]. It has Zoom, Bluejeans, Work live and other work services that are not full services. You can't type in the chat. [Update you can use chat features.] It has Alexa, but it's not a full version. It does not have drop in or call because that is an Amazon feature on the Echos and Dots. You can ask Alexa questions, you can use routines and skills and you can view Alexa enabled cameras and work Alexa enabled smart devices. I have used those features myself on the portal. You can use Alexa to play your Spotify, Iheartradio, Amazon music or Pandora accounts. If you don't have those accounts, Iheartradio is the best free one because as of right now, there is no sign in to use it and it does have advertisment. If you are not a Prime member, you can still use Alexa, just download the Alexa app to your phone, not the Amazon Prime App unless you are a paid Prime member. I have both on my phone because I am a Prime member. The browser is powered by Google and there are some limitations. You can't use the Facebook camera or microphone on websites. You can watch Youtube videos, you can go to the Amazon website, sign in and watch Prime Videos if you are a Prime member. You can watch movies on the Disney+, Hulu, HBOMax and Philo websites, if you pay for those services. I have also done that on the browser. You can't watch Netflix on the browser because Netflix doesn't allow it. It will only play trailers. A Netflix app may be coming soon on the FB Portal. You can use the browser to shop, sign in to email accounts, watch your local live news at their websites, watch Youtube or listen to Youtube music with or without a subscription. Just think of it as an extra TV or non portable laptop. You just can't download or upload to the FB Portal. Now for Non Facebook users. I have another 1st Gen Portal that is no longer connected to Facebook (mainly because I want to use it for entertainment outside) so this option is for you. I used the WhatsApp sign in to activate that Portal. You can only voice and video chat with WhatsApp users (no one really calls me on that app anymore). You cannot use any Facebook features. You can activate Amazon Prime if you are a member and still watch Prime Videos on the browser along with what I mentioned above. You can use Alexa to play your Spotify, Iheartradio, Amazon music or Pandora accounts or use Iheartradio no sign in. Use the browser like I mentioned above and Alexa. I love the FB Portal because it's cheaper than a laptop and I just wanted something to do the bare minimal and I didn't want a tablet either. Using Facebook is a bonus because a lot of my family and friends use messenger or messenger rooms. Love the camera when it follows you or zoom in on others in the room. Overall I am happy with this product and it does everything that I need it do. Update July 4th, 2021 For you karaoke lovers. You can connect a Bluetooth speaker to the Portal, connect a Bluetooth microphone to your speaker and go to YouTube on the Portal. On YouTube you can find your favorite song with lyrics or if you have Amazon music (some songs show the lyrics) you can have a fun karaoke party inside or outside. I use my Portal, the entertainment one to do that. If you decide to use one outside, I would suggest you use it in a canopy tent or not directly in the sun and not in the rain. You can also use it over a family or friends house if they allow you to use their internet. If it's connected to Facebook you will get interrupted with calls.

I really liked the fact that when making a video call on whatsapp (didn't use messenger) you are getting the feeling like the camera is tracking you (they did amazing job). Camera quality is superb, screen is pretty good, speaker is good also. I use it mainly as a digital frame (I didn't like the fact that you must have a facebook account to use it as a digital photo frame, and also you cannot set a picture to be screened by just selecting it, it will be randomly choose). In overall i would give it 3.5 stars, as it have very limited functionality, no built in youtube app, but I must take into consideration that it does perfect what it was intended to do, and thats video calling, plus the price is not that bad, hence the 5 stars.

I have connected the unit in the kitchen were we spend plenty of the time to prepare the food, having a coffee, or gathering for a dinner. It's nice to see the slide show of our latest trips and hear the music from Pandora or any other music application. Meta portal is relatively easy to setup by connecting to your Facebook or multiple applications for music. The microphone works nicely even from faraway. Just say; "Hey, Portal..." and it is ready for your command. Video quality is good. Just say "play tango", or "stop music" or whatever you need. It is very responsive to your commands. As for a slide show, there are some limitations in a size of the file. If it is too large, the picture will be shown 3 times. You still can browse YouTube or other apps included with a portal or browse the internet (touch screen). So, if you don't need anything extra, this is a good addition to your home or as a nice, inexpensive gift.

My dad and I got matching portals so that we could video chat now that we're in different states. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. The video quality is really good (MUCH better than you get on your phone), the sound quality is wonderful, and I appreciate how it zooms in and out and follows the person you're talking with so that you always have a good view of them. A bonus that wasn't necessarily considered when first getting this portal is how good the sound actually is. Beyond using it for video calls, we both use it to listen to music, especially my dad, and he thoroughly enjoys the sound system. Installation was super easy to, you plug it in, follow the step- by-step instructions, and your device is set up. It was fairly easy to connect to services such as Spotify and Amazon. Overall, I quite like this little portal, and I have absolutely no complaints.

Value for money...

The product is excellent. What I did not like was that I specifically ordered this item from Amazon Australia as I expected it would have a factory fitted AU plug. It came from the USA with their non compatible plug. I then had to source an adapter. This is not acceptable, those adapter plugs are loose fitting and never as good as the dedicated plug and its another item to be lost or mislaid. The AU site should have stated the item as being sourced outside AU with a non compatible factory plug. That fact may or may not have affected my decision to purchase from Amazon. The delivery time and product was excellent just disappointed no transparency in as above

Que es el modelo exacto

Bought it for my parent to join zoom for church service. It is easy to use, They like it.

The Portal is an amazing piece of kit. I would not be without one. All my family have one now too.