Smart TV maker LG announced tonight that it is opening its webOS smart TV software, making the platform available for other companies to license. In a press release, the company says it has enlisted more than 20 TV manufacturer partners interested in leveraging the software.
“The webOS platform is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to access millions of hours of movies and TV shows,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company, in a press release. “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 excellent experience and features that are available on LG TVs. We look forward to bringing these new customers to the incredible world of webOS TV. “
Among the TV manufacturers mentioned in the press release are names like RCA, Konka and Ayonz. The company says the move to license webOS to other companies marks a move beyond just making TVs, to the growing webOS as a broader platform.
This year was already active for LG’s webOS. At CES 2021, the company announced webOS 6.0, a revamped version of its smart TV software, bringing with it an enhanced user interface. However, The Verge reports that licensed versions of webOS will initially be based on the previous version 5.0 of the software. We will certainly be on the lookout for future smart TVs from other manufacturers to see how they take advantage of the LG platform.
Featured image: LG
Philip Palermo