I have the 1st Gen and decided to buy this upgraded model. I love them both
Let me start off by saying if you are not a Facebook user than this may not be the device for you. It's for voice and video chatting with family and friends on Facebook or WhatsApp. It has other apps like Facebook Watch and live [Updated, Live is no longer available]. It has Zoom, Bluejeans, Work live and other work services that are not full services. You can't type in the chat. [Update you can use chat features.]
It has Alexa, but it's not a full version. It does not have drop in or call because that is an Amazon feature on the Echos and Dots.
You can ask Alexa questions, you can use routines and skills and you can view Alexa enabled cameras and work Alexa enabled smart devices. I have used those features myself on the portal.
You can use Alexa to play your Spotify, Iheartradio, Amazon music or Pandora accounts. If you don't have those accounts, Iheartradio is the best free one because as of right now, there is no sign in to use it and it does have advertisment.
If you are not a Prime member, you can still use Alexa, just download the Alexa app to your phone, not the Amazon Prime App unless you are a paid Prime member. I have both on my phone because I am a Prime member.
The browser is powered by Google and there are some limitations. You can't use the Facebook camera or microphone on websites. You can watch Youtube videos, you can go to the Amazon website, sign in and watch Prime Videos if you are a Prime member. You can watch movies on the Disney+, Hulu, HBOMax and Philo websites, if you pay for those services. I have also done that on the browser. You can't watch Netflix on the browser because Netflix doesn't allow it. It will only play trailers. A Netflix app may be coming soon on the FB Portal.
You can use the browser to shop, sign in to email accounts, watch your local live news at their websites, watch Youtube or listen to Youtube music with or without a subscription. Just think of it as an extra TV or non portable laptop. You just can't download or upload to the FB Portal.
Now for Non Facebook users. I have another 1st Gen Portal that is no longer connected to Facebook (mainly because I want to use it for entertainment outside) so this option is for you. I used the WhatsApp sign in to activate that Portal. You can only voice and video chat with WhatsApp users (no one really calls me on that app anymore). You cannot use any Facebook features. You can activate Amazon Prime if you are a member and still watch Prime Videos on the browser along with what I mentioned above. You can use Alexa to play your Spotify, Iheartradio, Amazon music or Pandora accounts or use Iheartradio no sign in.
Use the browser like I mentioned above and Alexa.
I love the FB Portal because it's cheaper than a laptop and I just wanted something to do the bare minimal and I didn't want a tablet either. Using Facebook is a bonus because a lot of my family and friends use messenger or messenger rooms. Love the camera when it follows you or zoom in on others in the room.
Overall I am happy with this product and it does everything that I need it do.
Update July 4th, 2021
For you karaoke lovers. You can connect a Bluetooth speaker to the Portal, connect a
Bluetooth microphone to your speaker and go to YouTube on the Portal. On YouTube you can find your favorite song with lyrics or if you have Amazon music (some songs show the lyrics) you can have a fun karaoke party inside or outside. I use my Portal, the entertainment one to do that.
If you decide to use one outside, I would suggest you use it in a canopy tent or not directly in the sun and not in the rain.
You can also use it over a family or friends house if they allow you to use their internet. If it's connected to Facebook you will get interrupted with calls.
| Standing screen display size | 10 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1280 X 800 Pixel |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1280x800 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| National Stock Number | 899-00080-02 |
