LG’s WebOS for TV will soon come to third party devices

LG has announced that its proprietary operating system, WebOS for LG smart TV models will expand to other platforms soon. The South Korean tech company says that over twenty TV manufacturers around the world have entered into a partnership for the WebOS, and brands like RCA, Ayonz, and Konka will be the first use its operating system for TVs. LG adds that more OEMs will get rights for the webOS in future. The new development will hope to give stiff competition to Google's Android TV (or Google TV) OS available on several TV models either in a tweaked version or stock form. LG's WebOS is based on Linux.

In a blog post, the company says that its decision to expand WebOS has the "potential to reshape the TV business" for both technology and content providers while significantly growing "LG's presence and prominence" in the market. LG adds that its new partners will also get a diversity of content options including access to global streaming service apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Videos and sports streaming service DAZN as well as LG Channels - the company's free content streaming service (available in select regions). Compatible TV models will also include the dedicated LG Magic Motion remote controller.

Speaking more over the development, Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company says the webOS platform is one of the easiest way to access millions of hours of movies and TV shows.

"By welcoming other manufacturers to join the webOS TV ecosystem, we are embarking on a new path that allows many new TV owners to experience the same great UX and features that are available on LG TVs. We look forward to bringing these new customers into the incredible world of webOS TV," the LG executive added.

LG, with its latest decision, is following the footsteps of rivals such as Amazon and Roku that expanded Fire TV and Roku to third-party TV models. The latest development will also allow LG to take more ad revenue. Expanding WebOS to more TVs will get the ad-sponsored LG Channels in front of new eyes.