Facebook Portal is a video chat device with a 10 or 15-inch display that connects to Facebook Messenger. It uses AI and AR features like automatic camera zooming and filters during calls. Users can access Facebook Watch content and make encrypted video calls. Privacy features include a physical camera cover and one-tap mic/camera disabling.

1. • Connects directly with your FB messenger account.
Even if your friends or family don’t own a Portal, you
can make Messenger calls.
• AI-powered camera, controls zoom and pan to focus
on subject. Unlike other devices, Portal can handle
multiple people in frame at a time.
• Spark AR integrated: Allows for immersive AR
experiences (similar to Snapchat Lens of Instagram/
Facebook Face Filters) during video call. For example,
the Story Time feature, which projects AR filters onto
reader of interactive storybooks.
• Premium Content Integrations: Users can access
premium content from the Facebook/Watch platform
(i.e. Food Network, Newsy, etc.).
• Emphasis on Privacy: With a single-tap disable button,
physical camera cover, encrypted video calls, and
local storage, Facebook is making privacy a top
priority.
VOICE & VISUAL HARDWARE CHEAT SHEET
WHAT IT IS?
KEY PLATFORM
DIFFERENTIATOR
WHAT IS THE
CONSUMER
VALUE?
Facebook Portal & Portal+ is an Alexa powered video
chat device with augmented reality (AR) and artificial
intelligence (AI) integration. The two model sizes are a
10 and 15 inch displays. Note the 15-inch version makes
Portal + the biggest display currently on the market.
Amazon Show is a smart speaker that has a 10 inch
built-in touch display that is powered by Alexa.
Amazon is developing a hardware ecosystem,
having Alexa be available in everything from
headphones, microwaves, and automobiles.
Lenovo Smart Display is a smart speaker with an 8 and
10 inch built-in screens that allows for touch
interactions powered by Google Assistant. Although
the usage rate of Google’s voice/visual platforms are
low, (only 21% of voice users use their voice assistant
via video displays) they are growing, and we might see
more opportunities in the future to integrate visual
experiences with voice.
Designed to bring people closer together with better
video chatting capabilities and streamlined connection
to friends & family.
• Access Google files: Users can access their photos,
videos and music stored on Google.
• YouTube Integration: Users can access YouTube from
the device. If they are a Youtube TV subscriber, they
can even stream live TV.
• Simulcast Capabilities: Users can cast their Lenovo
Smart Display to other screens in their household.
• Growing number of Actions: The available and
emerging Google Voice apps are designed to give
answers instead of starting searches.
A consolidated hub for Google’s network of apps
(Photos, Files, Videos, Google search engine, YouTube,
HBO Now).
• Growing Ecosystem of Skills: Users have made
some Alexa Skills part of their everyday routine (i.e.
streaming music, checking the weather, etc.).
• Emphasis on Entertainment: Using the Amazon
show, users can watch Live TV, Prime video, and
Hulu, Users can also play back their recordings (like
DVR) with Fire TV.
• Skills with visual integration: Similar to a voice Alexa
Skill, ”Visual Skills" are instructions that pop up via
video that work with voice. Amazon just
announced that the show will have an integration
with Amazon meal kits where you can receive
video instructions for how to put together the
meal.
Amazon Alexa has the highest adoption rate and
has the most versatile family of hardware. The
Amazon Show helps consumers have a more
connected household as they may already own
other Alexa-enabled devices.