The device is in the prototype phase but is already being tested in people’s homes. It features a wide-angle camera lens, microphones and speakers, all powered by artificial intelligence.
A version of the device in testing includes a thin, vertical stand that holds a large touchscreen measuring 13-15 inches. Facebook has considered running a version of the Android operating system on the device instead of building its own core operating system, the report said.
Facebook also is working on its own smart speaker, to compete with the Amazon Echo and Google Home, the report said. The company is hiring Apple veterans to help it create a Siri-style voice assistant that would run on both devices.
Building 8 was set up last year to help Facebook develop its own hardware. Similar to Amazon's strategy, the devices would help keep consumers locked into the social network's world of services, as well as offer a new revenue source.
