LG Officially Announces Smart TVs with webOS Platform

LG acquired the webOS playform from HP in March last year, today (after leaks) it was reintroduced it as LG's new Smart TV Platform. LG says it plays to implement the new webOS platform in more than 70 percent of the TVs in 2014, bringing a 'simplified' experience to the TV

The new operating system offers an intuitive user interface for an experience that is both seamless and refreshingly uncomplicated, based on years of experience collected by the webOS team. The new platform makes it extremely easy for developers to create applications and enhances the compatibility of LG's Smart TVs with other devices.

"We are extremely excited to be able to introduce webOS optimized for LG Smart TV here at CES 2014," said In-kyu Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the TV division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "The beauty of webOS is that it provides so much freedom, and is so simple to use. We feel confident that consumers will find navigating, exploring and switching between different forms of content on webOS a truly enjoyable, not frustrating, experience."

The new Launcher, a left-to-right scrollable menu that runs along the lower portion of the screen is one of the most distinctive features of webOS. The Launcher makes it possible to switch between broadcast TV, smart TV content and media stored on external devices without having to return to the Home screen. It allows the viewer to simultaneously watch a show, play a game or browse the internet while searching or downloading other content. What's more, Live Menu, which can be opened while viewing the TV, keeps the search, recommendation and channel options within easy reach.

webOS also offers access to LG's collection of apps for the TV, letting users browse the most viewed and most downloaded items available. The store also includes 3D content, games and movies, and features employ thumbnail images for fast and convenient selection of content.

LG's new webOS TVs will first launch in South Korea and then see a launch in the US and Europe.

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