LG has decided to license webOS to other manufacturers. In this way, similar to how Google does with Android TV or Amazon with the operating system of its Fire TV devices, other brands will be able to use the operating system that governs the Korean manufacturer's smart televisions.
lg is changing
It seems that LG is restructuring its main businesses with the aim of facing a new stage. A few days ago we already talked about the possibility that its mobile division ended up being sold. Because it has been too many quarters without being profitable and since those first LG G2 and G3 they have not just raised their heads or proposed a terminal that really convinces a large majority of users. And that some proposals like the LG V50 are not bad at all.
However, with the issue of televisions things change. Here, thanks to its OLED panels, the manufacturer has proven to be one of the benchmarks and if you are looking for image quality it is difficult not to consider some of its best screens. But that doesn't mean they can't make the occasional strategic move. So if they already provide panels for many other brands, why couldn't they do the same with the operating system.
LG begins licensing webOS, its Smart TV platform can now be used by other brands that wish to do so through a licensing program similar to the one used by other companies such as Google or Amazon. So it is very possible that we will soon start to see this system in many other products and even beyond the television itself. Because LG's idea is not to stop there, they also want to take part of their code to other devices such as projectors, the dashboard of cars and even to refrigerators.
Moreover, there are already two television manufacturers that have confirmed that they will use webOS on their Smart TVs. These are Konka and Blaupunkt, brands that are not leading in the television market and that do not have the necessary resources to develop their own platforms with which to compete. So rather than fall into the clutches of Google or Amazon, they seem to prefer what webOS has or can offer.
Licensing webOS, too late or just in time?
The fact that LG licenses the use of webOS so that other Smart TV manufacturers can use its operating system is surprising and not surprising at the same time. On the one hand it seems logical that they must make some changes and restructuring to stay in business. And for another, webOS and the use of the Magic Remote have always been hallmarks of our own and reasons why some ended up opting for their products instead of others. Without logically forgetting the quality of its panels.
However, the question we ask ourselves is whether this move is too late or just in time. Seeing how Google has advanced with Android TV and Amazon with Fire TV, where they are all the apps and services that any user needs on their television Today, who would want to bet on webOS?
Well, we will have to wait a bit to answer with certainty, because we do not know if all the advantages that webOS has right now on LG televisions and those that will arrive with its new 2021 range will also be on other brands. If so, then yes that could be an interesting move. Because we must remember that for the latest version 6.0 of webOS in the first instance and for the previous version of 2020 (webOS 5.0) the native Google Stadia support.
So, that support for Google's streaming gaming platform and what already existed to use AirPlay 2 among other functions it could be attractive enough to avoid Android. As long as LG does not apply restrictions to the versions of webOS that will be used by other manufacturers. What do you think? Do you prefer webOS to other platforms? Would you buy a Sony TV with webOS for example?