The operating system of LG Smart TVs, webOS, has reached version 6.0 this year 2021. This is now available for its new Smart TVs with 4K and 8K resolution. The Koreans have done a whole facelift to the system, with a new look that differs greatly from the original concept they had been working on since the original version that was released in 2013.
What is webOS?
webOS is the operating system used by the South Korean company LG for its range of smart televisions . They began using it in 2014 as a replacement for the obsolete Netcast.
The system is based on Linux and was initially developed by Palm in 2009. The brand of smartphones was acquired by HP a year later, which would transform the system into open source . Everything seemed to be going from strength to strength for those in Palo Alto until a change in the leadership of the corporation disrupted HP’s plans. The system went from being the flagship of the Americans to being a spare asset in the company. LG Electronics would seize that unique opportunity and take control of the system for its televisions, although it is currently also present in smart projectors and even refrigerators.
WebOS interface
The classic webOS interface (2014 – 2020)
The visual interface of webOS has been very consistent over the years . Very similar to what Apple has gotten us used to with iOS throughout its different versions.
The system interface has been maintained until version 5. Applications have always been displayed in a strip in the lower third of the screen. In the most basic televisions, the interaction has always been done using the buttons on the remote control. However, on more advanced models, the Magic Remote can be used as a pointer .
The new interface webOS 6.0 (2021+)
The entire visual section has been redesigned since version 6.0 , available since 2021. The application dock, so characteristic of the brand, has completely disappeared.
Instead, the new look is made up of quadrants . It is even easier to use than previous versions because it is very similar to other proposals offered by other competitors in the market. The main quadrants will show the channels and streaming services that you use the most, so you will always have your apps close at hand. Below you can find the entire list of services that you have downloaded from the store.
If you are familiar with the old version, it will not cost you anything to adapt to this new interface . If, on the other hand, you get your first LG Smart TV now, you will surely notice the comfort when it comes to navigating through the TV’s menus and applications.
Even Park Hyoung-sei, president of the entertainment division of LG Electronics, has commented on this version of webOS: “This is the most significant update since we first introduced webOS in 2014.”
LG Content Store: The webOS app store
The application store for LG Smart TVs is called the LG Content Store. Through this platform we will be able to acquire channels, streaming services and applications and even some games.
Multimedia platforms available in the LG Content Store
These are the main multimedia content apps that are currently available in Spain in the LG store:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
- Disney +
- Apple tv
- Rakuten TV
- DAZN
- Filmin
- Youtube
- YouTube Kids
- Orange TV
- Atresplayer
- Movistar +
- My TV
- RTVE Play
- LG Channels
- Twitch
- Plex
- Spotify
The content varies depending on the region in which we are located. If you wonder how apps such as Hulu or Pluto TV can be installed, we inform you that this operation is currently only possible if we are in the United States . However, the offer of applications in our country is immense.
Voice assistants, remote control and artificial intelligence
No TV is really smart without its voice assistant . The webOS system uses its ThinQ artificial intelligence with its own voice commands. In addition, we can count on the help of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa .
On the Magic Remote , we will also have dedicated buttons to quickly activate our favorite voice assistant. To make matters worse, televisions now feature Magic Explorer technology. This feature uses LG’s AI to provide us with real-time data about the content we are consuming. You will be able to consult the information you want, such as the names of the actors that appear on the scene, some biographical information about them or the exact name of the location where the shot you are watching was recorded. When the AI knows you a little more, it will also offer you content according to your tastes .
Another very interesting feature of webOS is the possibility of using your smartphone as if it were the Magic Remote. To do this, you just have to download the LG TV Remote app , which is available on both iOS and Android. In the models with webOS 6.0 and higher, new functionalities are also added to take advantage of the NFC chip of your mobile. You will be able to pair your phone with your television in a matter of seconds and send content in total comfort.
How to upgrade to webOS 6.0?
Version 6 of webOS is only available on smart TVs released from 2021 to date. Unfortunately, this LG policy has always been around. The brand does not typically support older models, although it does sometimes offer new modern system features on televisions running older versions of webOS.
If you meet the requirements and have a version 6 compatible LG smart TV, you can receive regular updates. With them, LG will provide you with new features, bug fixes, and quality and security improvements for your device.
To receive new webOS updates you must go to the Menu of your LG Smart TV and then to the Support and Software Update tab.
LG webOS 6.0 compatible models
Most Smart TVs released by LG as of 2021 are compatible with webOS 6.0. The OLED, QNED Mini LED, Nanocell and UHD ranges are fully supported.
On the other hand, entry-level smart TV models such as the LG LED TV series (with Full HD resolution), will remain in previous versions of webOS even though they are very recently launched models.
How to know which webOS my LG Smart TV has
All this is fine, but do you know which version you have on your Smart TV? If you need to check which webOS is running on your TV, the procedure to follow to find out is very simple:
- Go to your TV Settings
- Go to the General tab
- Navigate to Devices , TV and click on ” Information about TV “.
As simple as that. With these steps you will be able to know the exact version of the system of your model and if it is compatible or not with the available software updates.
