Facebook Details List of Privacy Features as It Launches Next-Gen Portal Devices

Facebook beefed up features in its Portal video communications device, adding calling via WhatsApp and expanding outside the U.S. It began taking preorders Wednesday for the successor Portal ($179), redesigned with a larger 10-inch HD screen. The Portal ships Oct. 15, along with the $129 Portal Mini, both described as having a picture frame design. Facebook also introduced the Portal TV ($149) set-top box, which brings “smart video-calling” to a TV. It sits above or below a TV, allowing users to move around during calls. Under scrutiny for privacy practices, Facebook highlighted the devices’ privacy features, noting consumers can disable the camera and mic with a single tap or by sliding a switch. A red light next to the lens indicates the camera and mic are off; users can block the camera physically with a cover. “For added security,” said the company, the camera and sound technology in the second-gen Portal use artificial intelligence that runs on the device, “not on Facebook servers.” The company detailed Portal’s process for listening: If “Hey Portal” is enabled, the device listens for the wakeup phrase. If detected, Portal sends a “short audio recording” and transcript of the “Hey Portal” voice interaction to Facebook: “A trained team may review a sample to make our voice services smarter and more accurate for everyone.” Users can view, hear and delete any “Hey Portal” voice interactions, it said, and they can turn off voice storage, meaning, "your voice interactions are not stored or reviewed.” Other features include an adaptive display that adjusts brightness and color to the surroundings. The Portal and Mini have built-in speakers for music.