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

That the picture quality is clear and I love it for seeing and talking to our grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ive now bought the of these, one for myself and two for other family members. I have not tried all that this is capable of doing, but I love reading stories to my granddaughter through this device. The stories are so fun and interactive! We also have shared photo albums so I can see pictures of the grandchildren scrolling throughout the day. So glad we bought this.

I like the picture quality and how easy it is to use.

Just a really bad sign that the first time I tried to place a call, the device froze and crashed, requiring me to unplug it from power and restart it. When I tried again, the video call connected, and I saw my own video and the other persons video, but the other person couldnt see my video. I ended up placing the call through Facebook Messenger on my computer. The choice of photos in the rotation is also somewhat inscrutable. I suppose its not surprising that the Facebook team didnt specifically deprioritize pictures of my ex (and us together), but it seems to be prioritizing them. Also disappointing that they dont offer more options in terms of photo libraries to use (eg, Google Photos, Dropbox). Another very frustrating UX bug is logging into Spotify. My Spotify account password is a random string of 36 characters--a pain to type in on the keyboard. Okay, so Spotify could use a code-based linking flow (and that would be on them, not on Facebook), but they do offer a login with Facebook flow, which Id previously enabled and use on my phone. Great, I thought. But nope: It takes me to a web-based flow where I need to log into Facebook with my Facebook credentials. This is where Facebook needs to control the UX: They control the browser, and their OS knows that Im trying to authenticate on Facebook. And Im logged in to the device with my Facebook account, so it should prompt me to complete the web-based login with the already-logged-in device account. Because I really have no interest in typing in my 36-random-character Facebook password, either. Just an overall disappointing experience.

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!

Unable to face time after one month and unable to use the product.

I bought this to video chat with my nephew but it has been great for so much more. I love being able to read interactive stories to him when we chat and the call quality is great. We have also been using it to listen to spotify and watch You Tube and more

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.