Is a free TV worth never ending ads? #Vergecast

Telly offers a free dual-screen television that continuously displays ads on a secondary screen and collects extensive user data in exchange for the device.

• Telly offers a free TV in exchange for constant ads and user data collection.

• A secondary screen continuously displays ads and cannot be covered or disabled.

• User data is collected extensively to personalize the ads shown.

Telly provides a free TV, but requires users to agree to data collection for targeted advertising, which is displayed on a permanent, non-disableable secondary screen. The terms of service prohibit covering this ad screen, and the TV's interface is integrated into it, ensuring constant engagement with advertisements. This model is seen as both 'deeply gross and totally genius' in its approach to user engagement and data monetization.

Telly's Data Collection

• 00:00:16 Before even receiving a Telly, users must agree to extensive data collection, answering detailed questions about their household, parental status, and entertainment preferences. This data is explicitly used to personalize and target the ads displayed on the TV's secondary screen, making the data agreement an integral part of acquiring the 'free' device.

Always-On Advertising

• 00:01:26 Telly features a secondary screen that permanently displays advertisements, which cannot be turned off or covered, as per the terms of service. The TV's primary interface controls are moved to this bottom screen, forcing users to constantly view the ads even when operating the television. This design ensures ads are an unavoidable and continuous part of the viewing experience.