Facebook has launched a Smart Speaker (the Facebook Portal) with a camera that follows you around the room! Totally doesn’t sound creepy. Also, 29 million Facebook accounts hacked.
Facebook Portal will compete with Apple HomePod, Google Home and Amazon Echo. Unlike the other smart speakers Facebook has decided to also include a camera.
The smart speaker includes Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant to tell you the weather, time or a joke but also a camera to allow for video chat.
There have been a number of concerns raised about the privacy implications of Facebook potentially recording audio and video of you in your home. Facebook seems to be aware of the concerns and have even included a physical camera cover.
News of 29 million Facebook accounts being hacked broke the day before the announcement raising additional concerns. The launch has been greeted with some skepticism across the internet.
