LG brings old phone software to TVs

Most of LG's internet-connected smart-TVs will run a new operating system, originally designed for mobile devices, by the end of 2014.

LG will bring the software that once powered Palm smartphones and Hewlett-Packard tablets to more than 70 per cent of its smart-TVs in 2014.

The Korean electronics firm unveiled the operating system, called webOS, at a press conference in Las Vegas on Monday.

LG acquired the software from Hewlett-Packard in early 2013, after tablets running the software flopped. Hewlett-Packard earlier bought the software from Palm.

WebOS retains the "card" style interface, wherein all functions are housed on-screen on small cards.

LG's chief technology officer, Skott Ahn, told reporters the software will make LG TVs easier to use.

Intuitive operating systems are viewed as key as consumer electronics companies attempt to bring the app-based functionality of mobile devices to the emerging smart-TV category.

LG did not say what other devices will become compatible with smart TVs, but companies are increasingly looking to house their home appliances within one centrally-controlled network.

There is no word on when the software will be coming to Australia.

LG is the world's second-largest TV manufacturer by volume of sales, behind Samsung.

Samsung is working on its own competing operating system for smart-TVs, called Tizen.

*Paddy Wood travelled to Las Vegas a guest of LG


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Source: AAP


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