Have a spare $300,000 sitting around? Call me: … Or you could spend it on the C SEED N1, a 4K TV that unfolds like a Transformer in 90 seconds. When you’re done binging, it turns back into a funky metal sculpture.
Get a free 4K TV … with 1 key trade-off
A startup from the co-founder of Pluto TV is giving out at least 500,000 free TVs. Yep, you heard me right. The company started shipping them in July last year and planned to send half a million sets by the end of 2023. But it’s still accepting reservations, so it’s not too late to put your name on the list. More on that later.
The 55-inch 4K models from Telly have all the bells and whistles. The only catch? You pay with your data.
One long commercial break
The TVs have 4K HDR displays (not the very best you can buy, but totally solid), a built-in five-driver soundbar and a free 4K Android streaming stick. They have a dual-screen design combining a 55-inch 4K HDR Theater Display with a second Smart Screen.
You can control it with your voice — “Hey Telly” — or through built-in motion sensors. There’s also a camera for video calls.
The kicker: About a quarter of the smaller screen under the main one shows ads. And you can’t opt out of your TV’s tracking.
How smart is too smart?
In reality, all smart TVs are tracking what we do and watch — then packaging that up to sell to advertisers.
Take Vizio. The company made $1.6 million in gross profit selling TVs in the first quarter of 2023. But they earned $73.8 million in profits on the Platform Plus business — which includes selling advertising and viewer data. Yup, Vizio TVs are just there to sell ads and data.
So, how much money is Telly bringing in with these ads? The numbers are difficult to track down, but Connected TV (CTV) advertising generated nearly $26 billion in 2023 and is expected to keep growing. Yikes! FYI, CTV ads are the ones you see on streaming platforms.
When the product is free …
You’re the product. I say this all the time. To see what Telly gets, look no further than the terms of service. I read it, so you don’t have to.
Storage full? This might be why
When you always have a pro-quality camera in hand, you know what happens: You take a ton of pictures and videos. Do you need all six shots of your bagel or the three blurry videos of your dog being cute? Uh, no.
There’s a setting that might be to blame if you’re running low on storage.
Stream on
Turn that old TV into a streaming machine. Fear not — streaming boxes and sticks are easy to use. Just plug them into your TV’s HDMI port, which every TV after 2006 has.
- Solid choice for Android folks ($30): Google’s Chromecast is a breeze to set up and intuitive to use.
- Best value for 4K ($39): Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
- If you like using Alexa ($40): Prime members, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max works well, and you can control it with your voice.
- Just works with iPhones and Macs ($180): Is it pricey? Yeah, but Apple TV 4K is slick and syncs up with the rest of your Apple gear.
- Best bargain ($30): The Roku Express 4K is probably the best value and more than enough for most folks.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Stop your TV from selling your data
Remember when a 4K TV cost over ten grand? Now, they’re packed with smart features at a fraction of that price. But there’s a catch.
Have a spare $300,000 sitting around? Call me: … Or you could spend it on the C SEED N1, a 4K TV that unfolds like a Transformer in 90 seconds. When you’re done binging, it turns back into a funky metal sculpture. You have to see this thing in action.
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This iPhone app changes the way you record video
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But now, smartphone cameras are so stellar that they integrate features like wide-angle lenses and zoom by default. You don’t even need to buy accessories to shoot in 4K or higher. Tap or click here to see how the newest iPhones’ cameras compare to each other.
Watch legendary 1895 train scene in 4K thanks to AI
Pop quiz: When did people first start shooting movies? You might be tempted to answer, “The 1910s” or “The 1920s,” but you’d be wrong. As it turns out, the Lumière brothers released their earliest films during the 1890s, and some simple footage goes back even further to the 1870s.
12 essential Apple TV tricks and tips you need to start using now
Apple TV has undergone plenty of revisions since its release in 2007. The never-ending improvements have led to today, where it can hold its head high among other streaming devices like Google, Amazon and Roku.
Competition aside, Apple has made impressive strides with its latest 4K and HD models. You can enjoy TV shows, movies, live sports, games and apps. And now, with Apple TV+, there’s even more to love. Tap or click to check out some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Apple TV+.