Telly, a company that accepts advertising data instead of cash for its TVs, has reportedly had a hard time getting its “free” TVs into people’s homes.

Telly debuted in May 2023. Its dual-screen design can show ads, even when people aren't watching. Although the smaller, secondary screen can be used for more helpful applications, like showing the weather or sports scores, its primary purpose is to serve as a billboard south of the 55-inch primary display. Owners cannot disable tracking or cover up the secondary screen (or they have to pay for the TV, which Telly claims is worth $1,000), and they must fill out a lengthy, detailed survey to get one.

When it debuted its TV, Telly said it expected to ship 500,000 devices that summer. In June 2023, the startup said 250,000 people signed up to get a Telly. In a 2024 press release, Telly said that it planned to ship “millions more in 2024.”

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TCL is taking majority control of Sony’s TV business in a surprise move that could reshape Bravia pricing, production, and the future of premium TVs.

The post Sony and TCL strike TV deal: what changes for buyers appeared first on Digital Trends.

If you ever take a look at the back of your smart TV, you'll notice one or more USB ports. These aren't just for show! There are several neat features that these unassuming USB connections unlock.

TCL is taking majority ownership of Sony’s Bravia series of TVs, the two companies announced today.

The two firms said they have signed a memorandum of understanding and aim to sign binding agreements by the end of March. Pending “relevant regulatory approvals and other conditions,” the joint venture is expected to launch in April 2027.

Under a new joint venture, Huizhou, China-headquartered TCL will own 51 percent of Tokyo, Japan-headquartered Sony’s “home entertainment business,” and Sony will own 49 percent, per an announcement today, adding:

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From local dimming and HDR brightness to Mini LED, RGB LED, and Dolby Vision 2, we answer reader questions about modern TV picture quality and what display technology matters most in 2026.

The post You asked: local dimming, bright TVs, and the future of RGB LED appeared first on Digital Trends.

Soon, even loafing around on the couch won't help you steer clear of AI. TV makers are busily integrating AI models into the experience, and Google is no different. At CES, the company announced a big expansion of Gemini features on the Google TV platform, starting with TCL smart TVs.

Google began integrating Gemini with the TV Streamer box this past fall, but the new expansion brings some of the company's most popular AI features to TVs: Nano Banana (image) and Veo (video), which offered a huge leap in visual fidelity at launch and have only improved with subsequent updates. Both models will be part of the TV experience, allowing users to modify or create new content.

Google Photos AI remixing in Google TV. Credit: Google

The Google TV platform connects to Google Photos, allowing Gemini to access those images with your approval. Gemini can generate a slideshow of your choosing on the spot, but it can also feed those images into Veo or Nano Banana. Using Gemini voice controls, you can remix a photo or turn a still image into a video. You can also enter a solo prompt to generate a totally new image or video with Google's AI on your TV.

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