In 2014, LG launched its in-house smart TV operating system called LG WebOS. By 2022, LG WebOS has already captured around 13.8% of the global smart TV market. And now, LG is planning to increase the market presence of WebOS further, as it is in talks to provide its OS environment to around 200 smart TV makers. This list includes some of the leading smart TV makers like KMC, Walton, Seiki, and Croma.
So, there is no doubt that LG WebOS is set to rise even higher in the coming years. In such a scenario, every OTT content creator must be fully aware of LG WebOS TV, as they might need to develop LG WebOS apps for their platforms in the near future.
In this blog, we will discuss the technical details of the LG WebOS OS environment, its origin and history, its market scope and growth projection, and how you can develop your own LG WebOS app in a few simple steps. So, let’s begin!
LG WebOS is a Linux-based smart TV OS environment. According to the official website of LG, WebOS is basically a smart signage platform that allows easy integration and expansion with intuitive UX. In layman’s language, this OS allows you (the end users) to control and operate the functionalities of your smart TV through a Graphical User Interface.
LG WebOS TV consists of a built-in player and embedded CMS that comes with easy customization and app execution functionalities. Also, it is proven to deliver high performance as it can execute several tasks at once and ensure smooth streaming of content.
WebOS has a long history. This history comprises almost 15 years and more than 3 owners.
It was first developed by Palm as a successor to Palm OS in 2009-2010. At that time, it was known as Palm WebOS.
But, later, when Palm itself was acquired by HP in April 2010, the fate of WebOS changed too! Initially, HP expressed its intention to further develop WebOS so that it could be used by different devices including smartphones, tablets, and printers. Hence, WebOS 2.0 and WebOS 3.0 came into existence.
By the end of 2011, HP decided to release the source code of WebOS under an open-source license. From then onwards, it came to be known as Open WebOS.
In 2013, this open WebOS was bought by LG, and hence it became the present-day LG WebOS.
History of WebOS | |
Date | Event |
January 2009 | Launch of Palm WebOS |
April 2010 | Palm was acquired by HP |
February 2011 | HP starts developing WebOS as a universal operating system |
July 2011 | Release of HP WebOS 3.0 |
January 2012 | The last version of HP WebOS, version 3.0.5 was released |
December 2011 – February 2012 | Release of Open WebOS |
2013-2014 | WebOS gets sold by HP. Hence, it now becomes LG WebOS |
March 2018 | LG released the open-sourced edition of LG WebOS |
LG WebOS was developed by LG for using it in their smart TVs. However, it is a multipurpose OS environment. As a web-based platform, it can be used for different types of solutions. It can be used to network with other LG devices and stream the content simultaneously on different LG devices. And over the years, WebOS has been used to build different types of devices.
In between 2009 to 2023, multiple devices were built on WebOS, starting from smartphones to smart TVs and even smart refrigerators, which are summarized in the table given below:
WebOS Version Name | Device Name | Device Type | Release Date |
Palm WebOS | Palm Pre Pre Plus | Smart Phone | June 6, 2009 January 25, 2010 |
Palm WebOS | Palm Pixi Pixi Plus | Smart Phone | November 15, 2009 January 7, 2010 |
Palm WebOS | Palm Pre 2 | Smart Phone | October 22, 2010 |
HP WebOS | HP Veer | Smart Phone | August 18, 2011 |
HP WebOS | HP Pre 3 | Smart Phone | August 18, 2011 |
HP WebOS | HP TouchPad | Tablet | July 1, 2011 |
LG WebOS | LG Smart TV Models | Smart TV | 2014 onwards |
LG WebOS | LG Smart Fridge Models | Refrigerator | 2017 onwards |
LG WebOS | LG Watch Urbane LTE | Watches | April 27, 2015 |
LG WebOS is loaded with a large number of advanced features that can make your smart TV a powerhouse of entertainment. Let’s take you through some of these major features.
LG WebOS TV supports Picture-in-Picture mode, which allows you to split the screen to accommodate more content sources.
LG WebOS TV supports RTSP, RTP, and HLS for real-time live streaming of video content. It directly means that if you build your LG WebOS app, you will be able to use it for both on-demand and live streaming.
The high-performing SOC ensures smooth and lag-free playback of any type of video content. The synchronization of content takes place instantly, hence minimizing the chances of lag.
WebOS has a built-in remote care system. In case of any error, this self-case system gets activated and causes an alarm. It also sends an email notification using SNMP Protocol.
According to market reports, LG is targeting to achieve a straight 30% market presence growth in the smart TV segment. And WebOS is going to be their primary weapon in this process.
And this smart TV market is itself projected to grow significantly in the near future. The global smart TV penetration rate is expected to hit 50% by 2026. In the US itself, 63% of internet-linked households already own a smart TV in 2023. And this number is set to rise even further as the smart TV market in the US is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% for the next five years.
Hence, if you calculate carefully, you will realize that 1.2 billion people globally are projected to use an LG WebOS TV by 2030!
You must consider building your own LG TV App very soon. By doing so, you will be able to reap the following benefits:
Are you looking to develop your own LG WebOS app? Then let me tell you the easiest way to do so. Using Muvi One, you can develop your own branded LG WebOS apps within minutes, without writing a single line of code.
Wondering how? You just need to follow the steps given below:
Once you submit your app application, you just need to sit back and relax. Our engineers will deliver the test app to your mailbox within a few hours.
Read more on How To Develop Your Own LG TV WebOS App Without Coding?
Isn’t it the simplest way to develop your LG WebOS app? And with Muvi One, you get the best in class features including multi-DRM security, geo-blocking, parental control, device restrictions, built-in CDN, and much more!
Wanna try it out? Sign-up to start your 14-day free trial today! No credit cards are required ☺️
Q. What is LG WebOS?
Ans. LG WebOS is a smart operating system currently owned by LG. It is basically used in the smart TVs developed by LG, but sometimes, it is used in other devices like fridges, smart watches, smartphones, etc.
Q. What are the advantages of LG WebOS?
Ans. Major advantages of LG WebOS are:
Q. Can I customize the interface on LG WebOS?
Ans. Yes, you can change the home screen interface of your smart TV if it runs on LG WebOS. Just go to the home screen settings and select the layout you would like to use.
Q. How does LG WebOS handle user privacy and data collection?
Ans. On its official website, LG has declared that they use personal information initially collected via LGE’s Smart TV for the purposes described in its Privacy Policy.
Q. Are there any third-party apps available for LG WebOS?
Ans. There are lots of third-party apps available on LG WebOS. You can read about them in detail in our LG TV App blog.
Written by: Debarpita Banerjee
Debarpita is a Content Writer with Muvi. With around 2 years of experience in content creation, she has worked across industries like SaaS, EdTech, eLearning, AR-VR, and Metaverse. She believes in delivering content that can be of some value to the readers. In her free time, she likes to try her hand at website and app development.
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