LG is preparing to unveil the latest webOS 3.0 Smart TV at the CES 2016 event, promising to bring a host of advanced new features. These will allow consumers to quickly and easily find and switch between the company's expanded content options.
LG touts the webOS 3.0 as a "major update" following the introduction of advanced TV platform technology back in 2014. With the increasing popularity and demand of advanced smart TV technology, LG believes that the company's Smart TV with webOS 3.0 will allow consumers to enjoy a new level of home viewing entertainment.
"The webOS story of Simple Connection, Simple Switching and Simple Discovery has really connected with customers and illustrates very clearly our commitment to securing a leadership role in the smart TV market with innovation and creativity," said Brian Kwon, President and CEO at LG's Home Entertainment Company.
One of the best features brought by the update is Channel Plus, which has been designed to provide consumers with a more streamlined and high-quality viewing of digital content. Users gain access to a unified channel list wherein OTT content and linear broadcast TV channels are combined. This allows surfing through various channel options similar to how they were normally done.
The company has also partnered with Xumo to bring high quality and free digital content from a wide range of media sources, including The Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Entertainment, TIME Inc. and Bloomberg Politics. There is also premium content available such as Mode Media, PopSugar and BuzzFeed, which shall cater to a larger audience. Lastly, users can also explore content from Multi-Channel Networks and Digital Networks and international content sources.
According to Xumo, LG has a knack for offering "premium content" better than competitors in the industry, and it is in perfect alignment with the TV platform.
"At Xumo, we bring a fresh approach to the manner in which in-demand, premium digital and broadcast content is presented to viewers," added Colin Petrie-Norris, CEO of Xumo. "We're excited that Xumo and LG's joint efforts have come to fruition in Channel Plus."
The new webOS 3.0 also brings a trio of "magic" smart features. Magic Zoom, as the name implies, allows users to view enlarged objects and letters without compromising the quality of viewing content. Magic Mobile Connection will make it easier for users to view their favorite mobile phone apps as they can now do so on a big screen through the LG TV Plus App. Magic Remote features power and menu buttons to work specifically for set-top boxes while it also allows users to manipulate DVR functions.
Other interesting features users can look forward to include Channel Advisor (performs algorithmic user viewing patterns as well as program schedule details), Multi-view (for simultaneous viewing of two channels), Music Player app (for playing music through the TV speakers whether the TV is on or not), My Channels and Live Menus (offers upgraded and more useful sub-features) and IoTV app (for on-screen manipulation of smart home appliances).
LG will showcase webOS 3.0 for its 2016 Smart TV lineup at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, which is scheduled to occur on Jan. 6 to 9.
