Facebook is launching the first electronic device to bear its brand, a screen and camera-equipped gadget intended to make video calls easier and more intuitive.
The new voice-controlled screen, which has the Amazon Alexa voice assistant built-in, can be used to make video calls to friends and family via the social media giant's Messenger platform.
In an attempt to reassure users over the firm's record around user privacy, Facebook says the device comes with a camera lens cover and the ability to disable both the camera and the microphone with a single tap.
The company has been at the centre of several data privacy incidents this year and also revealed details about the Portal's privacy settings in a bid to reassure potential customers.
"Facebook doesn't listen to, view, or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Your Portal conversations stay between you and the people you're calling. In addition, video calls on Portal are encrypted, so your calls are always secure," the company said in the blog post announcing the device.
The company confirmed last month it had been the subject of a data breach affecting up to 50 million users, which is being investigated by the Irish Data Protection Commission, the lead supervising authority for Facebook in the EU.
First going on sale in the US in November, Portal will come with a 10-inch display for video calls, or a 15-inch display on the Portal+.
The device includes what Facebook calls Smart Camera and Smart Sound technology, which uses artificial intelligence to automatically pan and zoom the camera to keep everyone speaking in view, while Smart Sound minimises background noise and enhances the voice of whoever is speaking to improve call quality.
