LG opened its WebOS TV platform to third-party TV manufacturers last year. Now it has announced that the webOS Hub, an upgraded version, will be available to an expanded network of 200 partner brands including Seiki, Eko, Stream System, Konka, Aiwa and Hyundai.
This is a 10-fold increase compared to 20 last year at the debut. LG said that the webOS Hub comes with support from LG’s technology partners, such as Dolby, Realtek, Gracenote and CEVA, and has been certified by more than 160 broadcasters from around the globe.
Highlights of webOS Hub for TVs
- webOS Hub makes it possible for brands to customize the user interface (UI) in a variety of ways, such as fine-tuning the Home screen by selecting the color scheme, applying a visual style consistent with their identity or inserting a logo for visibility.
- With enhanced usability and personalization features, webOS Hub provides users with a curated selection of content to check out based on their tastes and preferences.
- Next Pick recommends up to three live programs, from broadcast stations or a connected set-top box, as well as one VOD title or app
- LG’s Magic Explorer displays information relevant to the content being played, such as actor bios and filming locations.
- webOS Hub also provides an improved viewing experience with Clear Voice PRO, a feature that makes onscreen dialogue much easier to hear.
- webOS Hub has major content streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and LG’s free, premium content service, LG Channels.
- New streaming services such as Fubo TV, and popular cloud gaming service like NVIDIA GeForce NOW are getting added
- Variable refresh rate (VRR) support and the Game Optimizer offer finetuned picture and audio settings for different game genres.
Several companies including Zebronics, AKAI, Daiwa and Elista have launched TVs running WebOS in India in the past few months. LG said that over 120 million devices in 150 countries are now powered by webOS. LG expects this number to grow with the availability of the new and improved webOS Hub.
The first webOS Hub-powered OLED TVs from LG’s partner TV brands will be launching soon.