The TV viewing experience is changing. Today, your TV is not just a box playing videos but the TV has become smart, very smart. With the advent of the internet, there has been a revolution in the digital world. Our phones are no longer used to make calls alone, our watches tell us more than just time, and we can do much more with our TVs besides watching videos. The hardware for electronics has advanced quite a lot in recent years. The improvements in the software are one step ahead. The algorithms, the user experience, and the overall feel of digital screens have evolved for the better. The software or the operating system is the soul of any TV. Out of many options available with the TV makers, two options stand out: WebOS and Android TV. A lot has been written about WebOS Vs Android TV as they both have considerable similarities and some noticeable differences.
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What Is An Android TV?
An Android TV is brilliant television software from Google. It is an operating system developed by Google to provide a breathtaking experience to its users. This operating system can run on smart TVs, set-top boxes, tablets, and smartphones. The software platform was developed and integrated with the television ecosystem to allow access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and YouTube. The powerful algorithm enables the users to watch online videos on these applications without the use of any additional devices or plug-ins.
When it comes to the smart operating system, it lets the users connect to other digital devices in the blink of an eye. You can connect your TV with a set-top box, soundbar, home theater system, Google Nest, Smartphone, tablet, etc. With support from Google, this software gets regular updates to improve its capabilities.
What Is A WebOS?
The Web Operating System popularly called the WebOS is an operating system developed by LG Electronics specially curated for their smart TVs. WebOS has a rich development history. In the early 2000s, it was conceptualized for smart devices by Palm, Inc. Later, it was acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP) and finally, it landed with LG Electronics which decided to customize it for their line of smart televisions.
The WebOS provides a seamless experience to its users. It is a visually appealing and very user-friendly platform. There is an LG Content Store that houses a wide range of apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and many more.
Also, some of the very advanced features of WebOS are LG’s ThinQ AI voice assistant and magic remote. The performance of the software is top-notch and there are many customization options available for users. LG makes sure that the operating system gets regular updates to keep it snappy and interactive.
WebOS Vs Android TV: The Key Differences
The smart TV market is very competitive and packed with a plethora of options. Both hardware and software play a vital role in determining the best-performing television. The top manufacturers are vying for the top spot amidst the tough competition. While it is very difficult to gauge the hardware superiority before buying a smart TV, the case is different when choosing the software.
WebOS and Android TV are the two most prominent operating systems for smart TVs. WebOS Vs Android TV is also a burning topic in the realm of smart TVs.
Let’s Dive Into The Finer Details Of These Two Systems.
- Navigation and User Interface
WebOS is equipped with a launcher bar that keeps the interaction intuitive. Users can easily customize the app drawer and placement of navigation icons. LG boasts of a seamless user interface with this offering.
Android TV, backed by Google, offers a platform built on Android smart devices. This helps the users to get accustomed to the smart TV interface hassle-free. The operating system quickly responds to user requests and has a lot of customization features.
- App Ecosystem
WebOS can run apps from the LG Content Store. However, WebOS falls short when it comes to the variety of apps. Android TV covers more range of applications. The apps that run on WebOS are ultra-smooth and bug-free.
Android TV with the support from Google’s Play Store can host almost all the major apps. It can also run games and provides a broader spectrum of services.
- Smart Features & Customization
The WebOS Vs Android TV battle gets very serious when it comes to providing smart features. Both platforms are excellent and loaded with best-in-class features. While the WebOS is backed by LG’s ThinQ AI voice assistant, Android TV is powered by Google’s voice assistant. LG smart TVs come with a Magic Remote that can point and click for navigation. Android TV has a built-in Chromecast feature that allows users to cast any digital screen on their smart TVs.
- Performance
Both WebOS and Android TV operating systems deliver fast performance. WebOS offers a more snappy and nimble operation. Android TV is also known for being smooth and zippy. Of course, a WebOS Vs Android TV performance comparison can’t be justified without taking into account the hardware specifications.
What Is the Best Fit For You?
So, what is the final verdict? Who wins in the WebOS Vs Android TV rivalry? Choosing between these two systems depends on individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a neat and highly customizable option then WebOS works wonders. On the other hand, if you are someone who extensively uses apps and games and is a fan of all that is available on the Play Store then go for Android TV.
Conclusion
LG and Google have great teams working on these platforms and they assure us of a great smart TV experience going forward. Both offerings have their merits and a dedicated fan base. The battle of WebOS Vs Android TV continues to mature and improve for the better. In addition, the future seems to be exciting and we are sure to be mesmerized by more features, better performance, and some great viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ans: Android TV generally provides a more extensive app selection due to its association with the Google Play Store. It offers a wide range of apps and games, making it a great choice for app enthusiasts. WebOS, while having a decent app store, may have a more limited selection compared to Android TV.
Ans: WebOS is often considered more user-friendly for beginners. Its simple and intuitive interface is designed for ease of use, making it a great choice for those who are not tech-savvy. Android TV, while powerful, may have a steeper learning curve due to its rich feature set and deeper customization options.
Ans: Both WebOS and Android TV support voice control, but Android TV may have an edge due to its tight integration with Google Assistant. This allows you to control your TV, search for content, and interact with other smart devices in your home through voice commands.
Ans: Android TV provides more customization options compared to WebOS. With Android TV, you can personalize your home screen, add widgets, and arrange your apps to your liking. WebOS offers some customization but is generally more limited in this aspect. If you prefer a highly customized experience, Android TV might be the better choice for you.
Ans: Both WebOS and Android TV receive software updates to improve performance, security, and add new features. However, the frequency and duration of updates may differ. Android TV, being a Google product, typically receives more frequent updates and enjoys longer software support. WebOS updates depend on the manufacturer (e.g., LG), so the update frequency may vary between TV models and manufacturers.
