https://www.cnet.com/news/facebook-unveils-new-portal-video-chat-devices-for-the-smart-home/

On Monday, Facebook unveiled the Portal and Portal Plus, two video chat devices designed to make it feel as if you're hanging out in the same room with family and friends who happen to be thousands of miles away -- hopefully without any discernible audio delay. The debut of the first Facebook-branded piece of consumer hardware puts the company in head-to-head competition with Google and Amazon for real estate in the home. That could be a tough sell with consumers, who may have second thoughts about adding another microphone and camera in their living rooms.  

The Portal, a 10.1-inch smart display that costs $199, lets you video chat with contacts over Facebook Messenger. The Portal Plus, a larger version for $349, does the same thing with a 15.6-inch screen that pivots between landscape and portrait modes. Facebook developed a new artificial intelligence software for the devices. Called Smart Camera, it senses people's movements and automatically pans, zooms and frames the picture so you don't have to do that yourself.