I was recently gifted the Portal+ from Facebook for my kitchen and I can safely say it’s been one of my best technology additions this year. It is basically a smart video calling device that allows you to call your Facebook friends & messenger contacts. Even if they don’t have a Portal.

It features a HD screen that automatically pans and zooms to keep everyone in view. This feature is probably my favourite as it actually means the camera keeps up with you as you move around the room.  As well as that the smart sound enhances the voice of whoever is talking, no matter how far away they are. Before I came home I was using it mostly for our daily calls with mom and it’s been so great for that. Living away makes our calls each day so precious and Portal  from facebook has definitely made them an even nicer experience.

When you’re not on a call, Portal  from facebook also has some amazing other features. Including a smart photo frame, popular music and video apps like Spotify, and even has Alexa built right in so you can easily get hands-free assistant capabilities.

The Superframe feature also allows you to display your Facebook and Instagram photos when you’re not using it for a video call, which I think is so cool.  It’s honestly been such a convenient device to have and I love that the simple design looks great on the countertop too.

As I mentioned I have the Portal+ but Facebook has a family of Portal devices that are affordable options too, like Portal Mini and Portal. These are very similar to my Portal+ but differ in size. Facebook also recently launched Portal TV which is a model that allows you to use all the great features on Portal but on your TV instead. It’s very compact and sleek looking so it takes up very little space mounted on your TV or next to it. And again on Portal TV you can smart video call, use the built in Alexa, play music and use all of the other interactive amazing features. I think it is such a great idea.

The big idea behind the Portal from Facebook products is to help you connect more regularly with the most important people in your life. And connecting through Portal and Portal TV is different from regular video calling. It’s designed to make it feel like you’re in the same room with friends and family, even if they’re far away.

If I’ve sold you on it and you’re interested in treating yourself or someone else throughout 2020, it would be such an amazing gift – especially for a relative if you live away from home too.

I’m so excited to keep using it in the new year. The stereo speaker will be especially handy for any parties that I host in 2020 too :)

Chat soon,

x Erika

This post is in collaboration with @PortalfromFacebook. #PortalPartner #PortalFromFacebook #FeelThere #Portal