LG opens WebOS platform to third-party TV manufacturers, confirms over 20 partners onboard

LG has announced that it is opening up its webOS TV platform to other TV brands. This means that other TV manufacturers and brands can use LG’s webOS UI on their own products going forward, once they have the license from the company. “This has the potential to reshape the TV business for both technology and content providers while significantly growing LG’s presence and prominence in the global home entertainment market,” said the firm in the release.

Although you can find Android TV devices easily and on a varied budget, this move by LG might cause some trouble for Google's Android TV platform. According to a research report by Strategy Analytics, Samsung's Tizen OS and LG’s webOS surpass Android TV when it comes to connected TV device usage worldwide. On the other hand, Google's Android TV shines when it comes to streaming boxes and TVs from brands like Xiaomi and other Chinese manufacturers.

Also read: New Fire TV UI coming to Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube next month

The South Korean tech firm has also partnered with some 20+ brands from around the world including RCA, Ayonz and Konka. The company has also joined hands with technology partners such as Realtek, Nuance, Gracenote, CEVA and Universal Electronics among others.

“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.”