Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pics
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Showcase that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Display. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers convenient with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already wooed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that compelled an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Display has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hit Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Brink
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Photos
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Demonstrate that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Showcase. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers convenient with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already wooed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Display has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hit Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Brink
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pictures
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Display that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Display. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already persuaded that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that compelled an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Showcase has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hammer Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Brink
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pictures
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Demonstrate that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Showcase. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already coaxed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Demonstrate has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also strike Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Edge
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Photos
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Showcase that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Display. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers convenient with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already persuaded that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Showcase has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hammer Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Edge
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pictures
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Display that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Showcase. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already wooed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Demonstrate has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hammer Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Edge
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pics
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Demonstrate that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Display. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already coaxed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that compelled an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Display has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also strike Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Edge
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Photos
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Showcase that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Showcase. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already wooed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Display has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also strike Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Brink
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pictures
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Display that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Display. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already persuaded that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Display has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hit Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Edge
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pics
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Display that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Demonstrate. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already persuaded that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that coerced an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Display has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Edge
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hit Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Brink
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Photos
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Demonstrate that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Showcase. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers convenient with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already coaxed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that compelled an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Showcase has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Edge
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hammer Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Brink
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Photos
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Display that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Showcase. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers convenient with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already persuaded that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that compelled an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Demonstrate has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Brink
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hit Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen – The Edge
Facebook reportedly working on voice speaker and movie talk device with laptop-sized screen
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Pictures
Facebook is presently developing a “video talk device” designed for use in the home, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The product, which could be announced next spring, includes a large touchscreen, wide-angle camera, microphones, and speakers. In concept, this sounds very similar to the Echo Showcase that Amazon recently released to build out its lineup of home-based hardware. It also lends added credibility to a similar-sounding rumor that surfaced in July.
Facebook’s movie talk gadget is said to have a much larger screen than the Echo Display. One version in testing measures inbetween thirteen and fifteen inches — the size of most laptops. The company is reportedly exploring the idea of running a version of Android on the device. Bloomberg also mentions that Facebook wants to use artificial intelligence for advanced camera features including one that would “scan for people in its range and lock onto them.”
Several home cameras on the market already suggest this type of functionality, including the Nest Cam IQ, which can be set up to recognize and identify people in your home. But Facebook would likely face a more difficult uphill climb in overcoming privacy concerns and getting consumers comfy with the idea of an always-on camera in their house. Many people are already wooed that Facebook secretly listens to them via their smartphone microphone, a conspiracy theory that compelled an official company response.
Amazon’s Echo Showcase has a 7-inch touchscreen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Edge
Aside from the movie conferencing device, Bloomberg claims that Facebook is also at work on a standalone speaker “in the low $100 range.” Both the movie and audio-only products “would run a Facebook-built voice assistant service” according to the report. In his spare time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been creating an AI-powered assistant capable of controlling his own own home, and Facebook has also integrated assistant technology within its Messenger service in an effort to add convenience for users. But the company hasn’t yet made official any plans to directly challenge Amazon and Google in the home. Both hardware products are being developed by Facebook’s experimental Building eight lab, which is also rumored to be exploring the idea of a modular smartphone.
Still, the pair of product rumors hint that Facebook is growing tired of sitting it out as voice-powered devices like the Echo and Google Home rise in popularity. Apple’s HomePod speaker is scheduled for release later this year and would also hammer Facebook to market if the spring timeframe — coinciding with the company’s F8 conference — proves accurate.
The Oculus Rift might not be Facebook’s only hardware product for much longer.