Facebook - Portal Mini Smart Video Calling 8" Display with Alexa - White

Name: Facebook - Portal Mini Smart Video Calling 8" Display with Alexa - White
Brand: Facebook
SKU: 6373511
Rating: 4.5 (575 reviews)

Model: 899-00077-01

SKU: 6373511

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Key Specs
- Built-In Speakers: true
- Number of Microphones: 4
General
- Brand: Facebook
- Model Number: 899-00077-01
- Product Name: Portal Mini Smart Video Calling 8" Display with Alexa
- Color: White
Audio
- Built-In Speakers: true
Voice
- Voice Assistant Built-in: Amazon Alexa (A digital assistant built into the device that uses voice commands to answer questions and control smart devices.)
- Number of Microphones: 4
- Microphone Features: 4-Mic Array
- Calling Features: Messenger and WhatsApp video calls
Connectivity
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a short distance.)
- Works With: Amazon Alexa, Hue, Nest, SmartThings, Wink (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a short distance without the use of wires or cables.)
- Operating System Compatibility: Android
- Wireless Standard: AC, N (The wireless networking protocol used by the device. Each iteration of the protocol is based on the 802.11 standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association. Denoted by letters following 802.11 (802.11a, 802.11ac, etc.), each version, published in alphabetical order, encompasses all previous versions.)
- Wireless Networking Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (The wireless networking standard used by the device. Each iteration of the standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance corresponds to an existing IEEE 802.11 protocol; for example, standard 802.11ac (or AC) is termed Wi-Fi 5. Refers specifically to the standard the device is designed to use, but ultimately determines product interoperability and backward compatibility including previous versions.)
Features
- Control Button(s): Camera, Power on/off, Volume
- Wake Word: Alexa (The term or phrase used to activate a device.)
- Alarm Function: false
- Front-Facing Camera: 13 megapixels
Display
- Display Type: LCD
- Display Screen: true
- Screen Size: 8 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Touch Screen: true (Touch-screen devices make navigating more intuitive. Using a touch-screen display, you can do things such as tap to select, hold and drag to move items, swipe to scroll, and pinch to zoom.)
Power
- Power Source: Plug-in
Dimensions
- Product Height: 5.94 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Width: 8.48 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Depth: 0.91 inches (The out of box depth of the item. Depth is measured as the distance from the front of the item to the back as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Weight: 1.68 pounds (The out of box weight of the item.)
Warranty
- Warranty - Parts: 1 year
- Warranty - Labor: 1 year
Other
- UPC: 810387030091

Portal Mini from Facebook is smart video calling with Alexa Built-in. Easily video call friends and family on their smartphones and tablets with Messenger or WhatsApp, even if they don’t have Portal. Enjoy an effortless video calling experience for large groups with Messenger Rooms, which lets you start or join calls of up to 50 people. Smart Camera pans and zooms to keep up with the action, and automatically adjusts to keep everyone in view. Smart Sound enhances the voice of whoever is talking, while minimizing background noise. Portal is private by design and all calls are encrypted. You can easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the camera lens with a single switch. Experience even more together with the ever-growing AR experiences library on Portal. Become some of your children’s favorite storybook characters with Story Time, where well-loved tales come to life with music, animation and immersive effects. Display your Instagram and Facebook photos directly to your Portal with the mobile app. You can even share photos during calls. With Alexa Built-in, you can ask a question, set a timer, add items to your shopping list, control your smart home and more. Facebook Live makes it easy to broadcast hands-free to family, friends and fans. With additional account activations, you can enjoy music, videos, news, games and more from our growing list of partners including Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio and the Food Network. You can also work smarter from home with partners like Zoom and Workplace from Facebook. Portal needs a wireless internet connection and AC power. Screen images simulated. User experience may vary. Additional registration, terms and fees may apply. WhatsApp is not available on tablets.

Video call with Messenger and WhatsApp: Easily video call with friends and family using your Messenger or WhatsApp account, even if they don't have Portal.
Keep up with the action: Smart Camera automatically pans and zooms, keeping everyone in frame while you move and talk freely.
Hear and be heard : Smart Sound enhances your voice while minimizing unwanted background noise.
Private by design: Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the camera lens with a single switch. All Portal video calls are encrypted.
Do more with Alexa Built-in: Control your smart home, listen to your favorite music, watch the news, get the weather, set a timer and more.
Amazingly compact: Enjoy all the features on our most compact device. With an 8” display, Portal Mini feels at home anywhere.
Bring stories to life : Become some of your children's favorite storybook characters as you read along to well-loved tales with music, animation and immersive AR effects.
More of what you love : Listen to music and streaming apps like Spotify or Pandora, display your photos from Instagram and Facebook, broadcast with Facebook Live, and more.
Work smarter from home : With partners like Zoom and Workplace from Facebook, you can connect with co-workers even if they’re remote.
Video call with Messenger and WhatsApp: Easily video call with friends and family using your Messenger or WhatsApp account, even if they don't have Portal.
Keep up with the action: Smart Camera automatically pans and zooms, keeping everyone in frame while you move and talk freely.
Hear and be heard : Smart Sound enhances your voice while minimizing unwanted background noise.
Private by design: Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the camera lens with a single switch. All Portal video calls are encrypted.
Do more with Alexa Built-in: Control your smart home, listen to your favorite music, watch the news, get the weather, set a timer and more.
Amazingly compact: Enjoy all the features on our most compact device. With an 8” display, Portal Mini feels at home anywhere.
Bring stories to life : Become some of your children's favorite storybook characters as you read along to well-loved tales with music, animation and immersive AR effects.
More of what you love : Listen to music and streaming apps like Spotify or Pandora, display your photos from Instagram and Facebook, broadcast with Facebook Live, and more.
Work smarter from home : With partners like Zoom and Workplace from Facebook, you can connect with co-workers even if they’re remote.

Whats Included

Portal Mini
Power Adapter
Quick Start Guide
Safety & Warranty Guide
Portal Mini
Power Adapter
Quick Start Guide
Safety & Warranty Guide

Q: Is there a monthly fee? Does this run off internet service? I know it must. Thanks

A: Zero monthly charges for the Portal. Connects to your existing Internet.

Q: Is it required to use Alexa for this Portal to function.

A: No, not for simple video calling. You basically call from one Facebook account to another (or in my case, since my wife has no FB presence, call yourself) Alexa adds what Alexa does, but isn't integral to the Portal features.

Q: I am looking at getting my mom one of these. She has a very hard time seeing and hearing. Can this be used just like a tablet? Can you tell me more about these please

A: Hi, Picture brightness and volume are good, so it may be OK for your mom. There is a rudimentary web browser that would allow her to visit websites, etc. but I have not found any evidence of apps that can be added to the system, at least not yet. But you can link a Spotify account, visit YouTube, and do a lot more than just video chatting. Keep in mind the browser on screen will be comparatively small, so visual acuity (and touch accuracy) may mean you have to bookmark a few key pages and just let here access them from big icons. Also, if you have Alexa, enabled you can do all the usual things an Echo dot can do, including setting reminders, etc. Hope that helps!

Q: Is it possible to do group video chats on the portal?

A: Yes for up to 8. You can also live stream for bigger groups.

Q: Does there have to be movement & sound in front of screen, after initial contact, for video call to continue? Daughter handicapped, no talk, little movement but she sees & hears. Nurse places call, can she leave the room, will video call continue?

A: it should be fine, I've never had it drop a call because of no movement or sound. I would make sure that in settings you lengthen the time before the screen "sleeps" just in case

Q: Can I use this for Zoom video teleconferencing?

A: YES There is a support page at Zoom about this: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360050641991-Zoom-on-Facebook-Portal-

Q: Does it stay logged in to Facebook all the time? I don’t want my Facebook account logged in all the time but I’d like to be able to save pictures to use as a slideshow while not logged in

A: You can transfer your photos via the Portal App. I don't believe you're signed in at all times, but you are able to see WHO signs on to their accounts.

Q: Do they have a way to make it portable.

A: As of right now it seems that it has to be plugged in, but you can walk around the room and it stays focused on you. My mom just plugs it in to whatever outlet is closest in whatever room she wants to chat in. Hope that is helpful.

Customers are saying

Customers value the Portal Mini's ease of use, particularly for seniors, and its impressive sound quality for video calls. Many appreciate the straightforward setup process and the added convenience of integrated Alexa functionality. However, some users experienced connectivity challenges and noted the lack of a battery for portability.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

Customer Images

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Stay in touch
Easy to set up and easy to use. Great for senior folks in lockdown. Hands free and cool feature that focus and zooms in on major speaker. Can use voice control- listen to music and other apps. No glitching and clear focus. Bundle package and save money.
This review is from Facebook - Portal Mini Smart Video Calling 8" Display with Alexa - Black
Posted 4 years ago by Portal
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Portal Product from Facebook! Must Buy!
Amazing Portal Product from Facebook. Was surprised to see all integrations. Whatsapp, FB Messenger, Alexa and all in one specially web browser inbuilt. Its better that Echo Show. I am impressed with its capabilities along with using as media center and photo frame. Must have device at home. Camera quality is great specially for video calls. No phone no problem. Use portal to call whatsapp or Fb messenger.
Posted 4 years ago by CoolTech
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Connecting Families in New Ways
---SETUP--- The setup of the Facebook Portal mini was quick and easy. It comes in a neatly packed box and includes a charger/stand combo that requires to be snapped on. After plugging it in, connect it to WiFi and you are good to go. It will start auto-updating and the screen will show you step by step how to connect it to your Facebook and Whatsapp accounts. ---FEATURES--- The key feature of this portal is that you can communicate with your friends and family even if they don’t have a portal. More features are discovered if both parties have a portal such as a smart camera that follows you as you move, co-op and competitive mini games, animated overlays and voice modifiers for comedic effect. Additionally, it has peace-of-mind features that allow you to turn off the camera and the mic that is always listening with a switch slider. It has integrated Alexa, so you can ask it to do things without having to touch the screen at all. ---PERFORMANCE--- The performance of this portal was fast and intuitive. After connecting you Facebook account, you see notifications of people that are active and displays them on your screen. It will give you text prompts of things you can say such as, “Alexa, call Maria.” Both, my voice and touch commands were quickly understood. I use it to check the morning weather before leaving for work, to communicate with my sister who has another portal, and to listen to the news while tending to house chores. The speaker is large but not noticeable, since it will be behind the screen. As a result, you get a loud booming sound if you higher the volume a lot, which is nice if you’re listening to your family or music with the available music apps. ---EXPECTATIONS--- The product meets my expectations. The product is the kind that you think you don’t need it and tell yourself that you probably won’t use it but once you try it, you’ll want to show it to everyone and encourage them to buy it too. My sister, who isn’t a techie, was able to plug hers in and update it with ease. She loved hers so much that she now uses it to call me more often and we will play games by changing our voices. She lives in Texas and I live in Tennessee. Since this Thanksgiving we won’t be able to see each other, she is taking it to our parents home where she will set it up while they eat dinner in Texas and our family in Tennessee. The camera can easily fit 2-3 people but the mic easily picks up all conversations taking place while reducing unwanted background noise. When not in use, it serves as a digital frame with rotating pictures of your choice or from your Facebook account. It also adjusts to the lighting in the room to give you the best picture quality available as the light source changes. ---VALUE--- The price for the Facebook Portal mini in terms of value is worth the purchase for all that it offers. ---APPROVAL--- I highly recommend this product for people who have families that live far apart but need a more convenient way to stay in touch. You’d think that just using your phones would suffice, but this brings a new level of immersion with your family and friends that you will quickly prefer this over text or video chats.
Posted 5 years ago by Trobadour