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

When I first heard about Portal, I thought why would I need this? I can just use my phone or tablet. While I didnt need it for myself, I bought one for my elderly mother, who is currently quarantined in an assisted living facility due to Covid-19. Its been great for her. I think a tablet would have been too confusing for her - too many bells and whistles, so to speak. The voice command is super easy for her to use. I had to set her up with a FB acct even though she doesnt really use it except to access Portal. However, I can upload photos to her FB acct and they show on her Portal. She loves to see the photos rotating through and I can surprise her with new photos remotely whenever I want. Portal has some other basic features besides video conferencing and rotating photos, but for now this is all my mother needs. It is compatible with Amazons Alexa, it has a basic internet browser and you can watch YouTube videos. My mother is so thrilled to be able to see her family while quarantined and she loves seeing the photos rotate through when shes not on a call. I definitely can recommend this.

Update 4/19/21: Ive had this thing now for just about a year. Its awful. It is still one of the worst pieces of electronics that ive ever had the displeasure of using. Constant freezing, crashing, glitches...its awful. still highly recommend not buying. I bought this for work - we use it to train with and it sucks. I hate this product. Its glitchy, slow, and clunky. There is no way to clear the cache, cookies, history, or anything so I end up unplugging and plugging back in (because of course there is no power or restart button). Sometimes it wont register that Ive slid the little video/audio slide aside and says I dont have access to unmute or show video without me having to restart the whole thing...just dont even bother. Honestly, there are way better products. Or just buy a nice webcam and use other apps on your laptop/computer/phone/tablet. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

Gift for daughter. Electronic guru.

Total garbage, Facebook was support it claiming its Amazons and Amazon wont touch it claiming its Facebooks. Ive been wait for 2 HOURS for chat support from Amazon and still nothing. Do not buy this garbage!

Now that this supports Zoom Bluejeans and webex this device is indispensable. My wife and kids use it for remote workouts and Piano lessons. The camera and microphone are top grade with a crazy field of vision.

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!

Good

My siblings and I can see and talk to our Mom during the COVID Lockdown. Boosts her spirits

The warranty only lasts 30 days and less than 3 months after buying it, it already has died.

This is such a useful product and the kids love it!!!