from the inescapable-advertisements dept

Back in 2023 we noted how a company named Telly proclaimed it had come up with a new idea for a TV: a free TV, with a second small TV below it, that shows users ads pretty much all of the time. While the bottom TV could also be used for useful things (like weather or a stock tracker), the fact it was constantly bombarding you with ads was supposed to offset any need for a retail price.

But apparently there’s been trouble in innovation paradise.

Shortly after launch, Telly proclaimed that it expected to ship more than half a million of the ad-laden sets. Within a few months it had announced it had already received 250,000 pre-orders. But a recent report by Lowpass indicates that only 35,000 of the sets had made it to peoples’ homes.

What was the problem? Ars Technica, Lowpass and The Verge note that the problems began with a substandard shipping process that resulted in a lot of TVs showing up broken to folks who pre-ordered. Reddit is also full of complaints about general quality control issues, like color issues, ads being played too loudly, odd connectivity issues, remote controls randomly unpairing, and more.

Still, there’s evidence that the idea might still have legs, as the premise itself appears profitable:

“The investor update reportedly said Telly made $22 million in annualized revenue in Q3 2025. This could equate to about $52 in advertising revenue per Telly in use per month ($22 million divided by 35,000 TVs divided by 12 months in a year is $52.38).

That’s notably more than what other TV companies report, as Lowpass pointed out. As a comparison to other budget TV brands that rely heavily on ads and user tracking, Roku reported an average revenue per user (ARPU) of $41.49 for 2024. Vizio, meanwhile, reported an ARPU of $37.17 in 2024.”

The TV industry had already realized that they can make more money tracking your viewing and shopping behavior (and selling that information to dodgy data brokers) long term than they do on the retail value of the set. This just appears to be an extension of that concept, and if companies like Telly can get out of their own way on quality control, it’s likely you’ll see more of it.

In one sense that’s great if you can’t afford the newest and greatest TV set. It’s less great given that the United States is too corrupt to pass functional consumer privacy protections or keep its regulators staffed and functional, meaning there are increasingly fewer mechanisms preventing companies like this from exploiting all the microphone, input, and other data collected from users on a day-to-day basis.

I personally want the opposite experience; I’m willing to pay extra for a dumb television that’s little more than a display panel and some HDMI inputs. A device that has no real “smart” internals or bloated, badly designed GUI made by companies more interested in selling ads than quality control. Some business class TVs can sometimes fit the bill, but by and large it’s a segment the industry clearly isn’t interested in, because there’s much, much more money to be made spying on and monetizing your every decision.

Filed Under: ads, data brokers, privacy, security, television, tvs, video

Companies: telly

The new hub focuses on software design for its public safety land mobile radio portfolio.

US telecoms company Motorola Solutions has officially opened its new global R&D centre in Cork city. The centre was initially announced in 2024 and will house nearly 200 employees across software engineering, design, development, testing, quality assurance and management.

The R&D centre in Cork’s Navigation Square focuses on software design for its public safety land mobile radio (LMR) portfolio.

LMR consists of a push-to-talk two-way communication system between radio transceivers, such as walkie-talkies. This system is used by public safety organisations like the police or ambulance services.

“Today’s LMR extends highly resilient voice capabilities to AI and advanced data applications,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, the executive vice-president and chief technology officer at Motorola Solutions.

“The work at Navigation Square underscores our relentless commitment to mission-critical communications that public safety agencies trust in their most demanding moments.”

The company’s new centre – supported with investment from IDA Ireland – expands Motorola Solutions’ existing footprint in the country following its acquisition of Tetra Ireland, the provider of Ireland’s National Digital Radio Service, in 2022.

IDA CEO Michael Lohan said that the new centre “highlights the continued attractiveness of Ireland’s stable business environment and our proven track record in supporting the world’s leading technology companies”.

“This investment reinforces our country’s reputation as a global hub for the technology sector, where world-class engineers can solve some of the most complex challenges of the modern era,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD.

Motorola Solutions has early‑career and education partnerships with University College Cork and Munster Technological University for internships that offer students hands-on, practical industry experience and mentorship.

The company also supports the Tech For Good programme to help provide schools in Cork with 3D printers and resources to promote STEM curriculums.

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Abbott’s Jasmine Swift discusses how a career in engineering is far more than just another nine to five.

“Growing up in an engineering household shaped my curiosity from an early age,” explains Jasmine Swift, a senior process project engineer at healthcare company Abbott. 

“My father was an engineer and I was constantly surrounded by conversations about problem-solving, design and innovation.

“That exposure gave me a general understanding of engineering principles long before college, and it sparked a fascination with how things work.”

She “didn’t just see engineering as a job”, but instead regards it as a vehicle through which professionals can “create solutions that make life better”.

“That foundation, strengthened through my education and career experiences, made choosing this path feel natural. It’s a career where curiosity meets impact and that’s what drew me in.”

What’s the best thing about working in this field?

The best part is the sense of purpose and impact. Every project I work on contributes to improving health and nutrition for people around the world. That’s a powerful motivator. It’s not just engineering for the sake of engineering; it’s engineering that changes lives.

I also love the variety and challenge. STEM is never static. There’s always a new technology, a new problem to solve, or a new way to make processes more efficient and sustainable. It keeps me learning and growing every single day, and that’s something I value.

What’s the most exciting development you’ve witnessed in your sector since you started working in it? 

The evolution of automation and data analytics has been incredible to witness. When I first started, many processes were still heavily manual, relying on operator experience and traditional controls. Today, we’re leveraging smart sensors, predictive modelling and real-time data to optimise performance and reduce variability.

What excites me most is how these technologies don’t just make processes faster, they make them smarter and more sustainable. For example, predictive maintenance can prevent downtime before it happens, and advanced analytics help us minimise waste and energy use.

It’s a shift from reactive to proactive, and it’s transforming how we think about manufacturing. Seeing this digital transformation unfold reminds me why I chose engineering – it’s about continuous improvement and shaping the future. 

What aspect of your job did you struggle to get to grips with? 

Early in my career, I struggled with stakeholder alignment. Engineering solutions aren’t just technical, they involve people, priorities, and timelines. I had to learn that success depends as much on communication and collaboration as it does on technical expertise.

It was a shift in mindset: moving from ‘I need to solve this problem’ to ‘I need to bring everyone along on the journey’. Over time, I developed skills in active listening, empathy and clear communication, which have made me a stronger leader and a better engineer.

How were challenges overcome?

One of the toughest challenges has been working on a project that started as a small initiative and then transformed into a significant and strategic project for our site – a project I’m still leading today.

The scale-up was enormous, and with it came increased visibility, tight timelines and high expectations. Managing this transition required me to shift from a technical mindset to a strategic leadership role. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about engineering solutions but about aligning stakeholders, managing risk, and keeping a diverse team motivated under pressure.

To navigate this, I focused on breaking the work into clear phases, building strong team dynamics and maintaining transparent communication. I also leaned heavily on mentorship and coaching to strengthen my leadership skills. This experience continues to teach me resilience, adaptability and the importance of collaboration. It’s a defining chapter in my career that proves growth often comes from stepping into discomfort.

If you had the power to change anything within the STEM sector, what would that be? 

I would focus on making STEM careers more accessible and inclusive. When different perspectives come together, we create better solutions and stronger teams. But change needs to start early.

Too often, children grow up with a narrow view of what engineering looks like, typically imagining someone in a hard hat on a construction site. I’d love to see schools actively educate students about the wide range of engineering roles, from process design to data analytics to sustainability.

Showing young people the breadth of opportunities could inspire the next generation of innovators and break down stereotypes that limit potential. 

Which of your personality traits makes you best suited to your job and this sector? 

Curiosity and adaptability are at the heart of everything I do. Curiosity drives me to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ every single day, whether it’s understanding a process, troubleshooting a problem or exploring new technologies. It keeps me learning and growing, even when the answers aren’t obvious.

Adaptability is equally important because STEM is constantly evolving. Projects change, priorities shift, and unexpected challenges arise. Being able to pivot quickly, stay calm under pressure and find creative solutions have been critical to my success.

I’d also add resilience and empathy. Resilience helps me push through setbacks without losing sight of the bigger picture, and empathy allows me to connect with people. Engineering isn’t just about machines and data; it’s about collaboration and understanding the human side of every decision. 

Is there something in your personal life that helps you or has helped you in your job? 

Definitely. Growing up with my father as an engineer gave me an early appreciation for problem-solving and innovation. That exposure gave me a foundation that I’ve built on through college and my career. Having that understanding early in life made technical concepts feel less intimidating and gave me confidence to tackle challenges head-on.

Over time, I’ve strengthened that base with formal education and hands-on experience, but the curiosity and logical thinking I learned at home still guide me every day. It’s a reminder that our roots often shape the way we lead and create.

How do you make connections with others in the STEM community?  

For me, building connections is about being intentional and authentic. I actively seek out opportunities to engage through professional networks, industry conferences or internal groups like Women Leaders of Abbott. These spaces allow me to share ideas and learn from others. The STEM community thrives on collaboration, and every connection is a chance to learn something new or spark innovation.  

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in your field? 

Be curious and fearless. Engineering is about solving problems, and the best solutions often come from bold ideas and diverse perspectives. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the ‘simple’ ones, and seek opportunities that stretch you beyond your comfort zone.

One of my favourite insights from Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead is that ‘clear is kind’. In STEM, clarity matters – whether you’re explaining a design, managing a project or leading a team. Communicate openly, set clear expectations and don’t shy away from tough conversations. It builds trust and makes collaboration stronger.

Also, remember that STEM isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about courage, creativity and connection. Build your network, find mentors and never stop learning. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and every failure is a stepping stone towards success. 

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• Intel is returning to GPUs to challenge Nvidia’s market leadership directly
• The company plans to produce GPUs internally for tighter manufacturing control
• Eric Demers joins Intel from Qualcomm as a key technical figure in GPU development

Intel chief executive Lip-Bu Tan has publicly confirmed internal work on graphics hardware remains active, directly addressing questions about whether the company intends to stay involved in that segment.

Speaking during the recent Cisco AI Summit, Tan said upcoming products will be built internally and that Intel’s manufacturing arm will also support production at scale.

Carbon removal startup Terradot is acquiring competitor Eion, the two companies announced today. The sale was driven largely by big investors like sovereign wealth funds, which want to work with companies that can handle large contracts. Eion was simply too small, Eion CEO Anastasia Pavlovic Hans told The Wall Street Journal.

Both companies spread pulverized rocks on farm fields to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Known as enhanced rock weathering (EWR), it speeds up a natural process and has the potential to be a low-cost way to remove carbon, but it requires large and distributed operations. The spread between what EWR companies would like to charge and what buyers would like to pay remains wide, according to a survey by CDR.fyi. 

California-based Terradot’s operations are centered on Brazil, where the company works with basalt as its mineral of choice, while Eion works in the U.S. and uses olivine. Terradot’s investor list includes Gigascale Capital, Google, Kleiner Perkins, and Microsoft, while Eion’s investors include AgFunder, Mercator Partners, and Overture.

Wicked: For Good is the second half of Universal Pictures’s epic tale about the witches of Oz and how their relationship has soured since the events of the first movie. The sequel, which debuted at the top of the global box office, is the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation. 

Get ready to relive the magic as Wicked: For Good is coming to streaming.

The movie picks up with Glinda (Ariana Grande) as the leader of Emerald City. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now known as The Wicked Witch of the West, has been ostracized and forced into exile. Thanks to the arrival of a mysterious girl from Kansas, the two must face their past in order to save their present.

The movie was directed by Jon M. Chu and also stars Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum. Wicked: For Good bonus features include director commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes and a full-length sing-along version of the movie.

Read on to find out when Wicked: For Good will hit streaming, along with more information on how a VPN can improve your viewing experience.

Read more: Here Are the Ways You Can Get Peacock Premium for Free

When to watch Wicked: For Good on Peacock

Viewers in the US can start watching the celebrated musical on Peacock starting Friday, March 20.

There are two Peacock plans to choose from. The cheaper Peacock Premium costs $11 a month or $110 a year and includes ads. Peacock Premium Plus and costs $17 a month or $170 a year. This tier includes downloads, your live local NBC station and is mostly ad-free.

How to watch Wicked: For Good with a VPN

If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with your favorite shows, a VPN can enhance your privacy and security when streaming. It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. It can be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins.

VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN use to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.

ExpressVPN is our best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN. The service is compatible with a variety of devices. It typically costs $13 a month but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100, you will get four months free and save 70%. Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions to ensure you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.

Elon Musk has merged SpaceX and xAI, creating what might be the blueprint for a new Silicon Valley power structure. With his $800 billion net worth already rivaling historic conglomerate GE’s peak market cap, and Musk being vocal about his view that “tech victory is decided by velocity of innovation,” the question isn’t whether a personal conglomerate can be built, but rather how far Musk himself is going to take it. 

Watch as Equity dives into this new era of the “everything” business, whether we’ll see others like Sam Altman follow suit, and more of the week’s headlines. 

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