What is this good for/
What can possibly go wrong? Why would you need hardware camera block? Unless security...
Here are my 4 biggest issues with Facebook Portal. This gets ranty, I'm sorry. I like to see a big company trying new things but I don't think this is the right vision for the future.
1. Trust
Do people trust Facebook enough with their data to want to put Facebook's camera and microphone in their home? I don't think so.
2. Proprietary platforms
Aren't we sick of proprietary platforms? What happened to standards? You can't call anyone who isn't on Facebook or Messenger. Plus, you're tied down to Alexa. That doesn't seem very user-friendly. Remember when it was a big deal that IE had a massive market share and was installed into Windows? At least you could download other browsers.
3. Lack of mobility
You need to be in a room to call someone? Seems a bit '90s. A phone lets you go anywhere and call people wherever you are.
4. Form factor
Facebook wants you to add a whole new immobile screen when you already have a massive TV in your living room.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I certainly won't be buying a Facebook Portal, but I'll be observing with bated breath to see the reception of the public.
Can't believe fb wants us to purchase this when Marc Zuckerberg tapes his webcam on his cellphone to prevent camera recordings. Downright creepy, the first product on product hunt I'm down voting.
I think it's not completely natural solution, and gives few advantages compared to a smartphone. Also not sure if people would be keen to use it in general, and especially not now after all the privacy issues and scandals with FB.
The + design looks terrible and since it uses Alexa it's basically a phone you can't take anywehre.
