Now Facebook looks set to follow in the Party's footsteps by putting its own firm's microphones and cameras into people's homes.

The social network is planning to release its first ever piece of consumer hardware which will be called Portal and cost a whopping $499 (£368), a website called Cheddar has claimed.

The device will feature a 15inch screen, a wide-angle camera with facial recognition and microphones to allow voice control.

It's expected to use facial recognition to allow people to log into their accounts without having to type in passwords and will be dedicated to video chat.

The gadget has been designed by a shadowy Facebook department called Building 8 that's also working on mind-reading technology.

'Rather than position the device as a smart assistant akin to Amazon's Echo speakers, Facebook intends to pitch Portal as a way for families and friends to stay connected through video chatting and other social features,' the website wrote.