Facebook's camera-equipped smart home device Portal is nearing launch

Facebook is ready to make its first foray into hardware outside of its Oculus VR headset, with reports circulating that its smart home device Portal will launch next week.
According to Cheddar, Portal will be similar to Amazon's Echo Show smart screen with the big selling point being the ability to easily start video chats with other Facebook users. 
The social network has been testing the product for months, and apparently has already opened conversations with "major retailers" about it. T