The holidays are a time to connect with friends and family, a time when I really want to be close to those I love and people I am not able to have near me. That’s why The Facebook Portal is my new favorite tech gadget.
Facebook Portal is a home video communication device that makes it easier to connect more regularly with the most important people in your life, and share the little everyday moments that relationships are built on. Connecting through Portal feels less like being on a video call and more like being together in the same room, even when you’re miles apart and I will tell you why!
Why You Need A Facebook Portal Under The Tree
Catching up with Family and Friends
Every time a friend comes over, I usually grab my phone and show them my trips and adventures! Things we have done! I no longer have to do that! We can just sit by the table, enjoy our meal while they browse through my recent pictures without having to touch a button! Isn’t that amazing?
If you can’t be there, feel like you are
I often call my family through video call – my sister at least once a week, my nephew and other relatives, once a month.
The Facebook Portal allowed me to talk to my sister while I was cooking and ask her for a specific feedback on the consistency of the tapioca cuz-cuz, all I had to do was open the portal and ask her! That, for me was priceless!
It’s being there when I’m not, it’s as close as being together! I was hands-free in my kitchen, not worrying about my phone falling in the food. The wide video screen allowed her to see more of my house, she even commented on that!
It’s the freedom to move around and talk freely with a smart camera and unbelievable sound!
On my nephew’s birthday early November, I was able to wish him Happy Birthday, see his birthday celebration in a larger, brighter way, everybody at the table and even the cake, without him having to move the phone around! In the past, we’ve had to deal with poor quality phone calls relying on PRI, but with Portal we’re talking with VOIP, so the sound quality is much better. You can learn more here about improving your call quality – it makes a big difference when talking to family overseas. Brazil just got much closer!
Privacy Matters
I am going to confess I was concerned about having a device on 24/7 with camera and voice enabled. I was worried about who would be listening. But The settings allow me to be in control.
You can completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap, or block the camera lens with the camera cover provided.
Facebook doesn’t listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Your Portal conversations stay between you and the people you’re calling.
For added security, the Smart Camera uses AI technology that runs locally on Portal, not on Facebook servers. Portal’s camera does not use facial recognition and does not identify who you are.
Like other voice-enabled devices, Portal only sends voice commands to Facebook servers after you say, “Hey Portal.” You can delete Portal’s voice history in your Facebook Activity Log.
Connect with friends, even if they don’t have Portal
All the calls I’ve made were with friends and family who don’t have the portal yet. After our call, they were like “Wow! I need to get one!”
My friend Cindy Simmons was truly amazed by the fact that we could chat and she could follow me around!
Facebook Portal For Business
I often use video calling for my social media coaching sessions, Some of my clients don’t have a device to allow video calling so we have to do a phone call instead. But all my clients have facebook! That’s why they hired me, to help them manage and understand the platform!
My Client Pamela Frost, for example, loved the new experience! Facebook Portal Made Our Video Call as easy as 1,2,3:
Just imagine, Christmas Eve, opening presents or Christmas morning, having brunch together! It’s going to be priceless for us!
You can have the experience too: Now you can save $100 when you buy 2 at Best Buy, just go to: http://bby.me/g29nh
They come in two sizes and they are Alexa enabled and allow me to use my favorite apps like Youtube and Spotify, bringing the best of worlds together:
Portal
Portal +
I no longer have to dream about being with my family and friends during the holidays, because I will have them right with me this holiday! Dreams do come true!
Have you heard of Facebook Portal? No, you can now grab yours at Best Buy!
More Gifts for the tech and early adopter in your life HERE.
I can’t wait to hear what you think, as usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
I haven’t heard of Facebook Portal before but it sounds great. I will have to add it to my Christmas list for sure.
My tech husband would love this! He is all about the latest gadget for Christmas.
OMG! This is a wonderful device! We use a lot Facebook for video calls and this one will be perfect for us.
OK this would really help me in my work at home job! I love it and need to research pricing.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this Facebook portal! I’ll have to head to my local Best Buy and get one!
I didn’t know Facebook had it’s own device like this. It looks really handy, especially for video calls.
That does look like an amazing product. I could see me using this a lot too. I’m going to have to really look in to this now.
Wow, this thing is huge! I surely would love one too! Be sure to tell Santa…please?
This is a great way to connect with friends and family members who can’t be home for Christmas. It’s a great way to share experiences while enjoying each other’s company.
This is surely the wave of the future being able to connect with everyone using the Portal is such a great idea. I need to get to BestBuy and pick this up soon.
This is perfect! My mom has an ipad but has SO much trouble with it! This would be a great idea as a Christmas gift!
Been seeing commercials for this and wondering if I need one considering I have an iPad in the kitchen. Watching the reviews to learn more!
I love this! After we chatted I was so amazed at how smooth it runs and the ability to see more than just your face when we talk. And you can be hands free and it will follow you around! I love that feature!
I am seriously considering using by Best Buy blogging gift cards to get one!