LG’s webOS Has Come A Long Way and Makes for a Great TV OS
In today’s market of smart TVs, there are two dominant operating systems vying for your attention: Android TV and webOS. While they share similarities, they also have distinct differences that can shape your overall smart TV experience. If you’re considering a webOS-based television, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why webOS is a stellar choice for those seeking an exceptional smart TV experience.
User Interface: Elegant Simplicity with webOS
One of the first things you’ll notice when comparing Android TV and webOS is their user interface. Older Android TVs feature a row-based layout on the home screen, while newer models adopt the Netflix-like Google TV UI. On the other hand, LG’s OS embraces minimalism with a ribbon-like customizable launch bar at the bottom of the screen. This nifty feature allows easy access to apps, settings, and other TV features. Moreover, webOS lets you switch between apps effortlessly without exiting the current one, giving it an edge in ease of use.
Back in 2021, webOS received a complete makeover with version 6.0. The new UI does away with the launch bar entirely, replacing it with rows of large banners, app lists, content recommendations, and a home dashboard. This updated design is available on all of LG’s OLED, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell, and UHD smart TVs launched in 2021 and newer models.
Startup Time
In the early years of smart TVs, using anything other than Android for its OS was seen as a questionable move since many were familiar with it in smartphones. The idea here is that you already have so many apps on the platform, why bother starting from scratch with a new OS? Thankfully, LG stuck to their guns and continued to improve webOS as it has one major advantage over practically every Android-powered TV out there; startup time.
With every Android TV I’ve used so far, startup time can go anywhere between 8 to 10 seconds whereas with webOS, it takes 3 seconds at most. Sure, the Android TV can be faster if its from standby, shaving the time down to 5 seconds but the same can be said with webOS, where it only takes a single second. This applies to both the LG OLED evo C3 and the LG OLED Flex that we reviewed recently.
App Availability: Android TV Takes the Lead
When it comes to app availability, Android TV reigns supreme. By leveraging the vast Google Play Store library, Android TV provides access to a plethora of apps and games. Additionally, Android TV allows users to sideload apps, giving them even more versatility. While webOS comes with popular streaming apps pre-installed, it may not match the extensive variety of Android TV.
With that being said however, all those options might be overkill since most people are unlikely to use a TV on their own. Nowadays, people connect it to game consoles, TVs, and set top boxes. For those seeking essential streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Google Play Movies and TV, webOS is more than sufficient.
If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful TV for both videos and gaming, check out our LG OLED evo C3 review by clicking right here.
Magic Remote: Elevating the User Experience
One of webOS’s strongest suits lies in LG’s Magic Remote. This remote is included with all LG OLED TVs and several LCD TVs, but you can also purchase it separately for compatible LG TVs. The Magic Remote offers point-and-click functionality, much like using a mouse on a PC, making navigation smoother than ever. The pointer moves as you move the remote, simplifying tasks like typing text on an LG TV compared to Android TVs. This remote also features voice search capabilities and programmable numbered buttons for app shortcuts, enhancing your smart TV control. Alternatively, both operating systems can be operated wirelessly using smartphones.
Choosing Between Android TV and webOS
Ultimately, deciding between Android TV and webOS depends on your preferences and needs. webOS boasts a sleek, simplistic UI, giving you access to everything you need quickly and conveniently. The Magic Remote further elevates the user experience, making webOS TVs a breeze to navigate. If you value content recommendations and prefer a user-friendly interface, webOS is a strong contender.
On the other hand, Android TV offers a vast app ecosystem through the Google Play Store, making it perfect for those who seek diverse app options and sideloading capabilities. Android TV devices are also available at various price points, including budget-friendly options.
Before making your decision, consider both the hardware specifications and prices in addition to the operating system. For those content with essential streaming apps and a seamless navigation experience, webOS is a fantastic choice. However, if you crave the endless possibilities of apps and games or plan to use a TV on its own, Android TV might be the more ideal choice.
In conclusion, LG’s webOS stands as an outstanding operating system that offers elegance, convenience, and an exceptional smart TV experience. Whether you’re a seasoned LG TV user or new to the OS, you’re sure to appreciate its smooth navigation, intuitive design, and seamless integration into your entertainment world.
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