Living with Telly: The Free TV That Delivers Non-Stop Ads and Data Tracking
Living with Telly: The Free TV That Never Stops Advertising
Telly offers a bold proposition: a free 55-inch smart TV in exchange for constant ads displayed on a secondary screen and extensive data collection. After three months with this device, the experience reveals a mix of impressive hardware and intrusive advertising. The picture quality is surprisingly sharp, and the built-in soundbar delivers excellent audio—features usually reserved for premium TVs.
The Trade-Off: Privacy and Viewing Experience
While the TV itself performs well, the persistent ads on a corner screen are hard to ignore. Telly collects detailed viewing data, which raises privacy concerns, as this information likely funds the free hardware model. Users must decide if the convenience of a no-cost TV outweighs the discomfort of being constantly monitored and marketed to.
Is Telly Worth It?
For those willing to sacrifice some privacy and tolerate non-stop advertising, Telly presents a unique, cost-free option. However, for viewers valuing control over content and data, the trade-off may be too steep, making conventional smart TVs a safer choice overall.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Telly
Telly is a cutting-edge technology company based in San Francisco, California, that has revolutionized the television viewing experience with its innovative dual-screen smart TV. This first-of-its-kind device combines a 55” 4K HDR main screen with a second smart screen, offering a wide range of features beyond traditional streaming. Telly's business model is unique in that it is entirely free for users, with brands paying for non-intrusive ads displayed on the second smart screen[1][3]. ### What Telly Does Telly's smart TV is designed to transform the living room into a multifaceted entertainment hub. It includes features such as video calling, interactive fitness programs, mood lighting, over 40 video games, and access to news, sports scores, weather, and music services. The device runs on Android AOSP and supports integration with other streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV[2][3]. ### History and Key Achievements Telly's history is marked by its ambitious goal to disrupt the traditional TV viewing experience. By avoiding direct licensing deals with major streaming services, Telly maintains a neutral stance, allowing it to bypass restrictions related to automatic content recognition (ACR)[2]. This approach has helped Telly maintain flexibility in its content offerings and partnerships. ### Current Status Currently, Telly operates with a revenue of $7.5 million and employs about 25 people[1]. The company has garnered attention for its innovative technology and business model, which could potentially disrupt the traditional TV industry. ### Notable Aspects - **Dual-Screen Design**: Telly's most notable feature is its dual-screen design, which offers a unique viewing experience and serves as a central hub for various smart home functions. - **Free for Users**: Telly's business model makes the TV free for consumers, with revenue generated from non-intrusive ads on the second screen. - **Partnerships and Flexibility**: By partnering with existing streaming services and avoiding
