The Unconventional Business Model Behind Telly’s Success
Telly, a hardware startup that has been making waves in the tech industry with its innovative approach to smart TVs, has announced that it has started shipping its dual-screen smart TVs to its first round of customers. The company claims that these TVs are free for consumers, but at what cost? To receive one of these cutting-edge devices, users must agree to share their personal information and viewing data with the company.
The Business Model: "Free" TVs in Exchange for Personal Data
Telly’s business model is built around the concept of offering its dual-screen smart TVs for free in exchange for advertising revenue. The smaller second screen located below the 55-inch 4K TV displays ads 24/7, and users can engage with these ads using their remote control. While this may seem like a convenient solution for consumers who are looking to save money on their entertainment expenses, it raises concerns about data privacy.
What Does Telly Want from Its Customers?
To receive a free Telly TV, customers must agree to provide the company with detailed information about themselves, including:
- Personal details: Name, age, gender, home address, and ethnicity
- Viewing habits: What shows they watch, how often they watch them, and when
- Purchasing behaviors: What products they buy online or in-store, and how much they spend
By collecting this data, Telly aims to provide valuable insights for advertisers and TV programmers. The company has partnered with Nielsen to collect and interpret viewership and ad effectiveness insights.
How Many Customers Have Received Their Free TVs?
According to reports, 250,000 people registered for free TVs within the first two weeks of launching signups. This number is expected to grow as Telly plans to ship 500,000 free TVs to customers by the end of the year.
What Does Telly’s CEO Think About the Response So Far?
Ilya Pozin, CEO of Telly, expressed his excitement about the response to their business model: "We are thrilled to begin shipping what is by far the smartest television ever built to consumers. The consumer and advertising community’s response has been incredible."
The Dark Side of Telly’s Business Model
While some may see Telly’s approach as innovative and convenient, others raise concerns about data privacy and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online.
- Data protection: How does Telly protect user data from being misused or sold to third parties?
- Ad tracking: Does Telly’s business model allow for targeted advertising based on user viewing habits and purchasing behaviors?
Telly’s Partnerships: A Closer Look
To power the ads that play on the second screen, Telly has partnered with Microsoft, Magnite, and MNTN. These partnerships aim to provide users with an engaging ad experience while also providing valuable insights for advertisers.
Conclusion
Telly’s free dual-screen smart TVs have sparked a lot of interest in the tech industry, but it remains to be seen how successful this business model will be in the long run. While some may see Telly as a pioneer in the world of smart TV technology, others raise concerns about data privacy and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online.
References:
- Variety
- TechCrunch