With the Coronavirus disease spreading across the globe, now might not be the best time to go hang out with all of your friends in person. Luckily, the Facebook Portal is designed to keep you connected with your friends and family from around the world, and this week it's on sale for just $89 at the official Portal website when you use promo code MARCHMANIA during checkout. You'll be saving $110 off its full cost in the process, and both white and black models are eligible for this discount. An active Facebook account is required for its use.
Facebook's first foray into the smart home market focuses on video calling. Pop the portal device on your nightstand, countertop, dining room table, or anywhere else, and you can give friends and family a call with your face attached. Anyone who has a Facebook account, that is. The Smart Camera tracks you and adjusts to follow you around, meaning you could, for instance, chat with your sister while cooking dinner, or hang out with long-distance relatives while everyone opens up their Christmas gifts. The device has Alexa functionality built right in, too.
For those with privacy concerns, note that Facebook doesn't listen to, view, or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Every call is encrypted, and you can easily block the camera with the included cover or disable the camera and microphone with a single tap.
The best part is that your friends don't have to own a Portal device to talk with you, either. The Messenger app is seamlessly incorporated, so anyone with Facebook Messenger on their phone, tablet, or computer can get tele-Portaled into your new gadget. It can handle up to six people in a group call, too. When you're not on a call, use the Superframe features to display photos, videos, and birthday reminders.
