LG’s webOS platform will reach TVs from other manufacturers

LG has announced the launch of the platformwebOS, Which it uses as the operating system for its smart TVs, for use by other TV manufacturers in the market. The new move is intended to strengthen LG’s presence in the smart TV market beyond the models that the company markets itself and to offer competition to Google’s Android TV system.

LG’s WebOS started out as the Palm operating system and later moved to HP, from which it was acquired by LG in 2013 and became the company’s dedicated operating system for TVs, with LG even creating an open source version of the system in 2018. The webOS system provides an interface that allows the user advanced capabilities such as voice control, support for a variety of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and more.

With the new announcement of LG, the WebOS platform will become available from other TV manufacturers as part of the license powered by webOS TV, when according to the company over 20 TV screen manufacturers have already signed agreements with LG to use WebOS and more companies will join later.

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However, while the WebOS system was updated in January to WebOS 6.0, the updated version will only be available on LG TVs, while other manufacturers will use LG’s previous WebOS 5.0 system under the WebOS TV powered license.

Park Hyoung-sei, CEO of LG’s Home Entertainment Division, said:

The webOS platform provides a simple and easy access to many hours of watching movies and series. Through the integration of other manufacturers into the webOS ecosystem, we are embarking on a new path that allows many consumers to experience the realities and features available to LG TV screen holders. We are waiting and looking forward to introducing those same consumers to the wonderful world of webOS TV.

Opening LG’s WebOS system to other manufacturers is expected to increase LG’s power in the smart TV market, even if not directly. It remains to be seen whether the system will really be able to offer competition and an alternative to Google’s popular Android TV system.