Telly, the British TV company, sent me a 55-inch 4K TV as part of their "free TV" campaign. Their idea is that people will accept a free TV—as long as they interact with the ads—and that the device will become a central part of our connected lives. However, calling it a TV is a bit misleading; it’s more akin to a smart display or a computer.
The TV comes with a Google TV stick, features two screens, and runs what appears to be a custom version of Android. On the home screen, the software plays ads alongside a free news channel, while the HDMI input is located on the bottom screen. This bottom panel constantly displays information: an ad in one corner, with stock updates, news, and weather filling the rest of the space. News content is provided by sources like TIME, FOX (web), and CNN (web). Clicking on a headline opens the article on the top display, though it doesn’t allow full browser access—only external links provided in the articles can be viewed.
As for the TV functionality, you still need a standard setup to watch traditional TV channels. The device’s operating system supports only a few additional features, such as a fitness streaming app and Spotify. Although the TV is advertised as 4K, I could clearly see individual pixels during the boot animation. It seems the company spent more on flashy LED backlighting than on the quality of the display panel itself. Moreover, the bottom panel remains lit even when the TV is turned off.
The device also supports some motion capture games, like Crossy Road, and even Zoom through a camera equipped with a motorized shutter for privacy.
In conclusion, while the TV is appealing because it’s free, 90% of Americans already own a TV. The constant ads and subpar software make the experience less enjoyable, and the implied value of $1,000 feels overinflated. If you’re in the market for a smart TV, you might be better off simply purchasing a $19 streaming stick.
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