LG has announced it will license its webOS smart TV platform to other TV makers, specifically brand partners.
webOS has a long history in the tech industry, originally being released by Palm, Inc. in 2009 to replace the aging Palm OS. Palm was never able to recover its former glory and was acquired, along with webOS, by HP the following year.
In 2013, HP sold webOS to LG, with the latter using it to power their smart TVs. The platform generally receives positive reviews for its sleek and intuitive interface, fast performance and overall versatility.
LG has now decided to license webOS to other TV manufacturers, a move that will likely spur widespread adoption of the platform. The company says there is already over 20 TV manufacturers that have committed to the webOS partnership worldwide.
“The webOS platform is one of the easiest and most convenient way to access millions of hours of movies and TV shows,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “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.”
