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webOS ready to move beyond TVs, says LG

webOS ready to move beyond TVs, says LG

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Here we go again

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The evolution of webOS under LG
The evolution of webOS under LG
Image: LG

LG just released an open-sourced version of webOS that’s freely available to anyone that wants to download and poke around the code. The release of webOS Open Source Edition is meant to act as a catalyst to drive further adoption of webOS beyond LG televisions, smart refrigerators, and the occasional never-to-be-released smartwatch. So, devices like webOS tablets and set-top boxes as pictured in the LG-supplied image above.

This is the second time an open-source version of webOS has been released, the first coming under the failed tenure of HP back in 2011. LG’s cross-town rival Samsung develops and uses the open-sourced Tizen operating system on a variety of devices including smartwatches, televisions, Blu-ray players, and robotic vacuums.

LG hinted at its broader ambitions with the Palm-developed OS when it acquired the rights from HP back in 2013. “When LG adopted webOS for our popular smart TV lineup in 2013, it did so with the knowledge that webOS had tremendous potential,” said LG Chief Technology Officer Dr. I.P. Park. “webOS has come a long way since then and is now a mature and stable platform ready to move beyond TVs.” 

LG is working with the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) to find suitable webOS business proposals, and will provide logistical and technical support to any viable candidates with commercialization as the end goal. ”As we move from an app-based environment to a web-based one, we believe the true potential of webOS has yet to be seen,” said Park.