Users with an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac can interact with Siri without even touching the device using the voice command “Hey Siri,” which summons Apple’s virtual assistant. With other assistants like Amazon’s Alexa also having similar commands, Facebook is now introducing the new “Hey Facebook” voice command for its own smart devices.
Facebook has its own line of smart devices called “Portal,” which are basically tablets or “Smart Displays” designed for use in the home or office. In addition, there is also the Oculus VR platform, which is owned by Facebook.
As The Verge reported, Facebook announced today that users can now have a hands-free experience when using the “Hey Facebook” voice command. For example, commands like “Hey Facebook, take a screenshot” or “Hey Facebook, tell me who’s online” are now available to users.
Portal devices already have a similar command — “Hey Portal” — which is now being replaced by “Hey Facebook.” Just like other virtual assistants, Facebook’s devices start recording and acting out what the user says after recognizing the wake words. Facebook says this feature is optional and is turned off by default.
This, of course, raises privacy concerns, as Facebook is known to collect user data without asking for their permission. While Siri offers a similar feature to “Hey Siri,” Apple ensures that its devices don’t send anything to Apple ’s servers until the device hears the wake-up command . The “Hey Siri” recognition process is done offline, thanks to AI built into Apple’s chips.
Information source: 9to5mac.com
