Telly Dual-Screen TV Shipping 2024: The Hidden Cost of 'Free'

Is your privacy worth a $1,000 TV? For many, the answer is still stuck in a warehouse. Telly, the startup promising a free 55-inch dual-screen TV in exchange for constant data tracking, is reportedly struggling to fulfill its ambitious delivery targets.

Telly Dual-Screen TV Shipping 2024 Goals Face Reality Check

According to industry reports, Telly hasn't had an easy time scaling its operation. When it debuted in May 2023, the company expected to ship 500,000 units by that summer. However, despite gaining 250,000 sign-ups by June of that year, the actual rollout has been significantly slower than anticipated. By 2024, Telly claimed plans to ship "millions more," but concrete delivery figures remain elusive.

The Unbreakable Contract: Ads for Hardware

The device features a primary 55-inch display and a secondary "billboard" screen below it. Owners are strictly prohibited from disabling tracking or covering the ad screen. Telly claims the hardware is worth $1,000, and users who fail to comply with the data-sharing terms are contractually obligated to pay the full price. The barrier to entry isn't just the ads—it's also the lengthy, intrusive survey required for eligibility.

• Mandatory ad viewing on the secondary display.
• Permanent tracking of viewing habits and personal data.
• Penalty fees of $1,000 for non-compliance.