When choosing a TV, one of the important factors influencing consumers’ decisions is the operating system it runs on. People used to be guided by appearance or price, but today awareness is increasing, and customers want to be able to use their favourite applications or devices. While platforms like Android TV are widely recognised, webOS is less talked about. Despite this, webOS is a highly efficient operating system that is steadily gaining popularity thanks to its user-friendly interface, reliable performance, and growing app ecosystem.

What is webOS?

webOS is a user-friendly operating system designed for smart TVs, connected devices, and more. Originally developed by Palm and now maintained by LG, it’s built on the Linux kernel and leverages familiar web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript. This solid foundation ensures a simple and intuitive interface that is easy for anyone to navigate.

With support for a wide range of apps and services, webOS delivers a smooth and consistent experience across devices. Its emphasis on security, reliability, and ease of use has earned it a strong reputation among both manufacturers and everyday users.

webOS currently. Source: LG

History and origin of webOS

webOS first appeared in 2009, when it was launched by Palm as a smartphone operating system. It was praised for its innovative features, such as intuitive gesture controls and tab-based multitasking. However, despite the initial excitement, Palm faced strong competition and was bought by HP in 2010. HP tried to extend webOS to tablets and printers, but these efforts did not last long and ended in 2011.

In 2013, LG acquired webOS and turned it into a platform for smart TVs and connected devices. This was a turning point as webOS became an easy-to-use and versatile system. It now supports millions of LG Smart TVs and other devices, cementing its reputation as a reliable and intuitive operating system.

The first webOS TVs went on sale in 2014, and people loved their simplicity, speed and responsiveness. Since then, LG has used webOS in other connected devices such as refrigerators, projectors and IoT products. In 2021, LG allowed other manufacturers to use webOS, making it even more popular.

Benefits of webOS

webOS has many advantages that make it the platform of choice for smart devices, especially TVs and connected systems.

Intuitive user interface

webOS is known for its clean, simple interface that makes navigation effortless. Features like card-based multitasking and tab-style menus allow users to easily switch between apps and content.

Wide app ecosystem

The platform supports a growing selection of applications, including popular streaming services, games, and productivity tools. Developers benefit from clear SDKs and extensive documentation, thus providing a dynamic and growing library of applications.

Reliable performance

With short boot times, smooth transitions and low resource consumption, webOS provides users with a seamless experience. Its lightweight architecture makes it an efficient choice for manufacturers.

Seamless connectivity

webOS integrates with various devices and ecosystems, including smart home setups, IoT devices, and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Enhanced security

Built-in features like secure boot and application sandboxing protect user data and ensure device integrity, meeting high industry standards.

Card-based multitasking

Card-based multitasking has always been a hallmark of webOS. it allows users to intuitively browse and manage open applications, increasing productivity and ease of use.

webOS TV system components

The webOS TV system is built on a modular architecture that consists of several key components. These work together to ensure that the smart TV operates efficiently.

webOS components. Source: LG

Apps & 3rd-Party services

Web Apps: These are applications built using frameworks such as Enyo, Enact, and Web Runtime, using modern web technologies (HTML5, JavaScript, CSS). These apps provide content and functions that users interact with directly on their smart TVs.

3rd-Party JS Services: These services, supported by Node.js, enable developers to run server-side JavaScript on webOS, supporting advanced application logic and integration with external systems.

Key components

The System Bus acts as a central hub, enabling communication between apps, services, and core system components. For example, The App Manager ensures efficient handling of app lifecycles and allows for seamless launching, switching, and closing of applications. Cloud Services, on the other hand, enable access to online features, including app updates and content synchronisation. Together, these components create a robust and user-centric smart TV ecosystem.

webOS apps

webOS web applications are very similar to standard web applications. The webOS TV platform supports standards-based web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Anyone with experience in web app development can easily start creating web apps for webOS TV. Applications for LG webOS can be implemented by various JavaScript application frameworks such as Enact, jQuery, and others.

Basic web app

A basic web app for webOS TV, also known as a packaged web app, is delivered as a complete package.

This package contains all the necessary resources for the app. When a user downloads and installs the app, these resources are installed on their device. Any updates to the app’s code or resources require submitting a new version of the package with the changes included.

Basic web app scheme. Source: LG

Hosted web app

A hosted web app stores its content on a remote web server. It consists of a lightweight local app that users download and install on their devices, along with the web app hosted on the server.

When the user opens the local app, it redirects to the web app’s URL on the server. The necessary resources are then downloaded from the server to the device.

Hosted web app scheme. Source: LG

LG’s AI-driven technologies

LG’s webOS TVs use advanced AI-based technologies to provide a smarter viewing experience. For example, the AI Picture Wizard feature allows users to adjust picture settings based on their preferences for a personalised viewing experience. AI Concierge enhances the interface and provides personalised recommendations for apps, movies, programmes, and other content based on viewing habits and preferences.

In addition, AI Picture Pro analyses the picture and makes real-time adjustments to improve clarity, brightness, and colour. AI Sound Pro provides immersive audio by recognising the type of content (e.g. movies, music, or dialogue) and adjusting audio profiles for best results. These features make webOS TVs smart and user-centric.

LG Smart Home Hub

LG Smart Home Hub is a central feature of LG webOS TVs. It was designed to provide smart home control directly from the TV screen. It acts as a smart home dashboard and allows users to monitor and control connected devices such as lights, thermostats, air conditioners, washing machines, and more – all from the comfort of their couch.

With an intuitive interface, LG Home Hub visually displays all connected devices in one place, showing their status and enabling quick changes. LG ThinQ AI integration and compatibility with popular IoT ecosystems such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa make it easy to manage smart home systems via voice commands or remote control.

LG Magic Remote

Magic Remote is a key feature of LG’s webOS TVs that allows users to interact with their TV intuitively. With the point-and-click function, users can effortlessly navigate through menus and applications. The scroll wheel makes browsing content or settings faster and more convenient.

In addition to navigation functions, the Magic Remote supports voice control, allowing users to search for content, adjust settings, or control connected smart devices with simple voice commands. It also features dedicated buttons for popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Prime Video, giving users quick access to their favourite services.

With universal control capabilities, the Magic Remote can operate other connected devices such as set-top boxes and soundbars, reducing the need for multiple remote controls.

LG’s 2024 Magic Remote

Mobile connectivity in webOS TVs

WebOS lets users easily link, share, and manage content between their phones, tablets, and TVs. Screen mirroring and streaming technologies such as Miracast and AirPlay 2 allow users to show their phone or tablet screens on the TV. The LG ThinQ app, which works on both iOS and Android, boosts mobile connectivity by turning smartphones into TV remotes. Users can adjust settings like volume and picture modes open apps, and handle content on the TV through the app.

To share media webOS TVs have DLNA support built in, which lets users stream videos, photos, and music files from their mobile devices straight to the TV. Mobile connectivity also works well with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Mobile connections make gaming more enjoyable for gamers. Apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now sync your game progress across all your devices. You can also control streaming apps like Netflix and Spotify from your phone and stream them directly to your TV.

Is it worth developing apps on webOS?

Developing apps for webOS is becoming a smart move for developers and companies looking to take advantage of the booming smart TV market. WebOS runs on millions of LG Smart TVs and other connected devices around the world, giving app developers a good chance to reach a wide and growing audience.

WebOS has the big advantage of being easy for developers to use. It uses popular web technologies such as HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. This makes it easy to use for developers who are familiar with web development, which helps them learn it faster.

The growing market share of webOS TVs also makes it an appealing platform.LG has not only established webOS as the default operating system for its smart TVs, but has also begun licensing it to other manufacturers. This expansion increases the potential reach of apps developed for webOS, creating a larger user base.

From a business perspective, developing apps for webOS is a very wise investment. The fact that the platform integrates with smart home devices, voice assistants and IoT ecosystems makes it particularly attractive for companies looking to exploit the connected living trend.

Final words

webOS is a user-friendly and reliable system that combines simplicity with a diverse selection of applications. It supports current web technologies, provides robust development tools and is becoming increasingly popular with users. This makes it an excellent choice for those who use it and those who develop applications for it.

At Spyrosoft BSG, we specialise in the development of applications for smart TV, including platforms such as webOS. We help companies develop high-quality apps tailored to their unique needs. Get in touch, and let’s create an intuitive, user-focused app together!

About the author

Oliwia Weglarz

Business Researcher