What is webOS on Smart TVs? Features, Apps, and How It Works

You won’t be able to find your favorite movie or go-to music streaming service or adjust settings easily on your smart TV without an advanced operating system. And this is where webOS comes in. webOS is the operating system widely used across LG smart TVs, as it is the brand’s main TV platform.

But if it is that central to your everyday experience, what is it exactly? What are the webOS benefits, features, and functionality? How does it work? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.

What is WebOS on Smart TVs?

WebOS is an operating system (OS) that is designed for LG smart TVs. Originally, it was developed by Palm as a mobile operating system in 2009. But years later, LG adapted this system for smart TVs, introducing its first webOS-powered TVs in 2014. 

From that moment, webOS has become the main platform and operating system for LG smart TVs and connected devices, providing the technical foundation needed for the TV to function and for users to access apps, TV channels, browse the internet, and use all sorts of available services smoothly and efficiently through its intuitive interface. 

See more: OLED vs QNED vs NanoCell: Which LG Smart TV Is Best for Your Home?

How Does WebOS Work?

Simply put, webOS on smart TVs runs the software services and functions needed to operate the TV. It provides the interface you see and interact with on screen as you move across apps, settings, system functions, and other options related to connected LG devices. 

In this way, webOS acts as the software layer that connects you to the TV, allowing you to interact with its hardware capabilities, features, applications, and menus.

• WebOS on LG Smart TVs for a Smarter Home 

Thanks to how webOS works on smart TVs, it enables you to access and control compatible connected LG devices through the TV. These can include cameras, appliances, and other smart-home devices, bringing different parts of your smart home together through your TV. 

Learn now: Essential Home Appliances Every Household Needs

What are WebOS Smart Features and Functionalities? What Do They Offer?

While the exact webOS smart features can differ depending on the webOS version and TV model, here are some of the most common webOS features and functionalities you may find:

1. User-friendly interface

WebOS on smart TVs is responsible for providing a user-friendly interface, making it easy for you to navigate through the available options, menus, and applications. Typically, the interface brings together shortcut icons, entertainment categories, content recommendations, and even recently accessed content and platforms.

While the exact components featured on the interface vary across models, webOS provides an interface that is easy to use, so you can browse and navigate without having to go back and forth between different menus and screens to find what you need.

2. Access to apps and streaming platforms

One of the main functions of webOS on smart TVs is giving you access to the TV’s various applications and streaming platforms. Without an operating system, such as webOS on LG smart TVs, you would not have the software environment needed to access and run these apps. In this way, webOS acts as the link between you, the apps you use, and the TV’s hardware.

This, of course, is crucial to your everyday TV use for the best possible entertainment experience. Why? WebOS grants you access to your favorite streaming services, in addition to apps for music, gaming, sports, news, education, web browsing, and even smart-home functions.

3. Personalized content recommendations

Another feature of webOS on smart TVs is personalized content recommendations—and who doesn’t love those? The system makes recommendations for you based on your viewing preferences and watch history. How is this different from recommendations on Netflix, you may ask?

These suggestions can cover different types of content across supported applications, streaming services, and TV channels. As such, webOS can help you find content you may like without having to search for it yourself. It saves your evening from endless searching, helping you enjoy your time instead. 

4. Voice control

WebOS is built with your comfort and convenience in mind, as it features voice control for easier-than-ever TV navigation and interaction. To use this feature, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. First, you need to have a Magic Remote that’s compatible with your TV, the TV needs an internet connection, and you may need to agree to voice permissions to activate this feature. 

After checking these off, you can simply hold the Microphone button on the Magic Remote, give a supported voice command, and then release it. On some supported LG TV models, you can also use hands-free voice control without holding the remote. 

The exact steps vary depending on the TV model and webOS version. However, voice control remains one of the useful webOS features that make your TV experience smarter and more flexible. 

Find out more: What is the LG Magic Remote? Key Features & How to Use It

5. Web browsing

Web browsing is key webOS functionality that makes your TV more than a streaming device. Considering how webOS works on LG smart TVs, it provides the necessary software environment for you to access and browse the internet, allowing you to read long-form content, browse posts, watch YouTube, and so much more.

6. Smartphone control

Smartphone control is one of the best features of webOS, as it allows your smartphone to function like a remote control for your TV. While the availability of this feature depends on your TV model, webOS version, and even the supported apps, your smartphone can potentially become all you need to navigate the TV interface, change channels, control playback, and so much more! 

It is safe to say that webOS provides you with a wide variety of features and functionality, making your overall experience much easier and more enjoyable. Whether you choose to use your voice or your phone, you get to have a smarter TV experience with webOS on LG smart TVs. 

7. Multi-view and content sharing

Having one screen doesn’t mean limited capabilities at all, especially with webOS on LG Smart TVs. This operating system allows you to do more with your screen without needing additional devices. How so? You can have a split layout on the screen to view more than one input at once. This could look like watching live TV while using a supported app on the other side of the screen. This feature is known as “Multi-View.”

As for the other webOS feature, content sharing, then it does exactly what’s in the name. You can share your phone’s content on your TV screen, so you can enjoy videos, photos, and other types of content on a larger display, so you don’t miss any details.

Now that you know some of the most notable webOS features and functionality, you may be curious to know more about the apps you can access through the webOS. Here are some further details. 

What Apps Are Available on WebOS? Brief WebOS App List

Keep in mind that the available webOS apps vary by TV model, webOS version, and region, in addition to other potential factors. That being said, here are some of the apps that you can access through webOS on LG smart TVs:

• Streaming Services: Like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.
• Regional Services: Including MBC Shahid and Roya.
• News and Broadcast Apps: Including Al Jazeera 360.
• Education: Such as Udemy and other platforms.
• Music: Including Spotify.
• Other Apps: For anime, cloud gaming, AI, and more.

These are among the most common webOS applications you can access for a comprehensive entertainment experience for everyone at home.

Benefits of WebOS: How It Makes Your Everyday TV Experience Better

WebOS just gets it. It provides you with various practical benefits that make your downtime more fun and your overall experience at home easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the benefits of webOS and how they can make a difference in your everyday routine: 

• Convenience 

With webOS on LG smart TVs, you get to access frequently used apps easily, adjust settings smoothly, and spend less time going through menus—all of this is thanks to its intuitive interface that makes it easy to find what you need next. 

• All your entertainment in one place

WebOS brings together a wide range of entertainment options in one place. Its intuitive interface gives you access to streaming services and apps, live TV, search features, and quick access to your favorite content. Want to enjoy your evening? WebOS has got you covered with plenty of options! 

• Personalized viewing 

Another benefit of webOS is personalized viewing, as the operating system allows you to create your own account on your TV, enjoy personalized content recommendations, customize the app bar with the apps you want to access right away, and so much more. Let the system adapt to your preferences!

• Connected home experience 

WebOS sits at the center of your smart home! It allows you to control and adjust various compatible connected devices from your LG smart TV. Meaning? You get one convenient place to manage your smart home, making everyday tasks easier and more efficient. 

• Multi-device entertainment

WebOS lets you bring content from your other devices to your TV. How so? You can mirror your smartphone’s screen on the TV to display photos, videos, and other content. You can also share specific files with the TV instead of mirroring your entire screen. And it’s not limited to smartphones! You can also share content from tablets and laptops, depending on the webOS version and TV model. 

Now that you know some of the benefits of webOS that you can’t miss out on, how is this operating system any different from Android TV, if at all? 

What’s the Difference between WebOS and Android TV?

WebOS, as mentioned earlier, is LG’s proprietary smart TV operating system, while Android TV is Google’s TV operating system, which is used across TVs from various manufacturers. And while they are similar across lots of areas, they still have their significant differences, mainly in their interfaces, navigation, and ecosystems. 

• User interface 

WebOS focuses more on displaying apps and shortcut buttons through a minimalist app ribbon, which is designed to work with the Magic Remote, allowing you to point, click, and scroll easily through the TV interface. 

While some newer LG TV models integrate full-screen digital billboards packed with content and gadgets, moving away from the app ribbon, the overall interface remains relatively minimalist compared to Android TV. The latter has a more content-heavy interface that packs content recommendations, apps, and other options into one massive, unified feed. 

• Available apps and services 

The two operating systems also have different ecosystems. WebOS is built around LG’s own smart TV platform and services, with features such as LG Channels, personal profiles, and integration with compatible smart home devices. 

Android TV, on the other hand, is closely integrated with Google services, including Google Assistant, Google Play, and Google accounts, while also allowing supported third-party apps and content to be integrated into the TV experience. This can influence the apps, services, and content available to you. 

• Can you convert webOS to Android?

No, you can’t convert webOS into Android or completely replace the operating system on LG TVs with Android TV by installing a new system like you would on a computer.

FAQs about WebOS on Smart TVs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers: 

• Do all LG smart TVs feature webOS? 

Not all LG smart TVs feature the webOS operating system, as availability can depend on the market and TV model. However, webOS remains LG’s main smart TV platform and is integrated into most of its smart TV lineup.

• Does webOS come in versions?

Yes, webOS has different versions, and LG has released newer versions over the years. Some versions include webOS 22, webOS 23, webOS 24, etc. The number often corresponds to the TV model year. For example, webOS 24 is associated with many 2024 LG TVs, and so on.

• What’s the difference between a webOS version and a webOS update? 

You can update your LG TV webOS version to add new improvements to the interface, features, and overall performance. But an update doesn’t mean changing the system to a whole new version. 

• How do I install apps on my LG TV with webOS?

You can install apps on your LG TV through the LG Content Store. Open the store from the webOS Home screen, search for the app you want, select it, and choose Install.

• Can Android apps run on webOS?

Android apps cannot run directly on webOS. However, if an app has a separate webOS version, you can install that version on your LG TV through the LG Content Store if it is supported by your TV model and region.

Do you want to enjoy webOS benefits and features? Then, explore LG’s smart TVs in Jordan now, provided to you by New Vision. They integrate various versions of the webOS operating system, offering you distinct features and functionalities for exceptional home entertainment that everyone can enjoy. 

Shop for the best smart TV for your home today and make your daily routine more convenient and your entertainment more enjoyable. 

Explore more: How to Set Up Your TV for the First Time: Step-by-Step Guide

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