Facebook Portal?

[Constantbee]

Anybody using one yet? Anybody know anybody who knows anybody who knows anybody who uses one? The TV ads make this standalone smart camera gadget that tracks you round the room look like an attractive option for online music teachers. The fact that it's available in different sizes adds to the appeal. The largest has a 15.6" screen. Assuming this is measured diagonally that's quite impressive.

The downside is almost certainly the cost and the fact that you probably have to be a heavy Facebook user (we aren't) to get the best out of it, and it almost certainly has a lot of features you'll never use.

[oddoneout]

Anybody using one yet? Anybody know anybody who knows anybody who knows anybody who uses one? The TV ads make this standalone smart camera gadget that tracks you round the room look like an attractive option for online music teachers. The fact that it's available in different sizes adds to the appeal. The largest has a 15.6" screen. Assuming this is measured diagonally that's quite impressive.

The downside is almost certainly the cost and the fact that you probably have to be a heavy Facebook user (we aren't) to get the best out of it, and it almost certainly has a lot of features you'll never use.

My son bought one for me as he has been using it for sometime for work and thought it would work for me - a committed technophobe and non-twitbook user. I don't use any of the add-ons(certainly not the Alexa one), and he initiates contact by giving me a quick bell. All I have to do is plug it in to a convenient power supply and click on 'answer' when it has made contact. I don't know about your FB query - he set the account up for me at his end and has put all the necessary p***-off controls on, and as he is currently working for FB (circumstance not choice) I assume it is as 'safe' as it can be. In terms of the camera etc I am impressed, the tracking ability works very well and makes it much easier to have a whole family exchange (keeping in touch with the grandchildren was the main reason for having it, since I don't live near enough for easy visiting even in normal times) and move around to show things, and the picture quality is excellent. As it's WiFi I can put it where it is comfortable for me rather than where the webcam/Skype demands dictate. It has an 8" (diagonal) screen size which copes well with two active young GC and son and daughter in law in their living room in terms of me being able to see them all. The sound is good as well.
I know two people giving online instrumental tuition but both have adapted their existing set-ups rather than investing in Portal so I can't offer any suggestions there I'm afraid.
Don't know if that's of any use, but don't know enough to comment further!

[antongould]

Our family comprises six households and we decided to all get one to keep in touch during the crisis. They work very well, every week we have a quiz with all families on everyone’s screen and it works well sound and picture quality excellent ..... Lady Gould and I don’t do any bells and whistles but it brings the family much closer ......

[Constantbee]

Thanks for that. Very helpful It'll go down on the wish list.