kalyani sChanged the room decor of your life space and want to install the most reliable entertainment center for your home? Or an ideal smart TV station for your wall? We’ll help you debrief an ultimate showdown on which TV OS to choose for 2023!
Whenever you head to purchase a smart TV for your home, you get to come across different options like HP, LG, Sony, Panasonic, and more which makes you go haywire. Because some say, WebOS TV offers a complete package of benefits, while others prefer Android TV for its UI, simplicity, and add-ons.
Well, we shouldn’t deny the fact that both operating systems are great in their own ways and have certain similarities that make it difficult to distinguish. However, there are certain parameters to consider that sets them apart, which we will see in the post below.
So, without any ado, let us compare in detail on whether WebOS or Android TV is better for you.
Table of Contents
What is WebOS?
WebOS is a multitasking Linux-based operating system created by LG particularly for its line of smart TVs.
WebOS was initially introduced by Palm as a mobile operating system; it was then bought by LG and adapted as a smart TV operating system, which is good news for us all, right? And this platform offers a user-friendly design along with other capabilities including voice recognition, content discovery, and universal search.
Plus, WebOS offers customization choices and upgrades to improve the watching experience while enabling users to access a variety of streaming apps and services. Overall, a decent and novel approach of LG. Now, it is time for Google’s product review.
What is Android TV?
Based on Android OS (operating system), Android TV is developed by Google to work on a variety of gadgets, including TVs, set-top boxes, digital media players, and more. It allows you to stream both paid and free content online.
An added benefit of an android TV is that it offers its customers access to a variety of apps, including Netflix, Hulu, and others, as well as voice searches, online and off-line gaming, Google Play Store connectivity, and much more.
Finally, when compared to typical smart Televisions, Android TV definitely outperforms due to the ease with which you may cast images, movies, music, and other content from your preferred devices to your TV.
Now, is the time to decide the real man of the show! How is WebOS different from Android TV?
Differences Between WebOS and Android TV
Although you may have heard the names of WebOS and Android TV frequently, it is crucial to understand their distinctions in order to make the best streaming choice. While Android TV is available on a range of devices such as smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, and others, WebOS may only be compatible with LG smart TVs.
However, this position will change as a result of LG’s desire to collaborate with other OTT Television models to install their Linux-based OS. In addition to this, we may also see the following other significant differences:
1. User Interface
The distinction in the user interfaces of the two operating systems is one of the notable characteristics that one may observe when using both Android TV-based devices and LG WebOS.
This is because WebOS has a minimalist design and a customizable ribbon-like launch bar at the bottom of the screen that gives access to all the TV’s features, including apps and settings, whereas the older version of Android TV displays rows of content that take up the entire home screen to showcase.
However, the newer version of Android TVs have a Google TV UI which is much similar to the display of a Netflix with multiple content filling up the screen. Similarly, WebOS also has received an update in its UI and the Version 6.0 interface is screen full of rows of content recommendations, apps, banners and much more.
In addition to the display of contents, differences lie in app switching. With Android TV, you must dismiss an open app in order to return to the home screen and open new ones, while with LG WebOS, you may reach the launch bar even when an app is already open.
2. Remote Controls
The execution of Smart TV app streaming depends greatly on the style, usability, and functionality of remote controls. While LG WebOS and Android TV both come with an out-of-box remote, LG’s magic remotes are superior because of their simple point-and-click navigation.
Both of these remotes have voice search capabilities for quicker navigation, but only LG’s magic remote has the option of setting up its numbered buttons as shortcuts for specific apps. Additionally, you can operate the two TVs wirelessly without a remote.
3. Apps
One of the other key differences between the two is that you cannot anticipate LG’s smart TV platforms to offer a wide range of apps. LG smart TV comes with their own pre-installed set of streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc. There is an LG Content Store where you can also download various apps.
This is not the case with Android TV as it provides accessibility to Google Play Store from where you can download multiple apps. Even sideloading apps is possible on Android TV, which is not possible with LG WebOS.
4. Screencasting
With screencasting, which is a function of all smart televisions, users can mirror the material now playing on their smart devices to a larger screen.
However, the technology differs depending on the operating system like WebOS’s smart sharing function enables users to watch any type of multimedia material on TV. While the in-built Chromecast in Android TV allows users to freely share video from Chromecast-compatible apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, etc.
So, here you have the most eminent differences between the two OS of 2022. Well, with these points it is quite difficult to judge which to choose as the usage depends completely on your business needs and requirements. Thus, below are some of the best provider lists to help you in your journey of app development.
How to Choose the Best WebOS and Android TV App Providers?
To all the businesses or developer seekers out there who are die-hard in finding the best OS app TV provider, this section is for them. Because, based on certain criteria like clutch, reviews, ratings, features, cost, and the latest research report for 2023,
We have curated the top providers of WebOS and Android TV apps are 1.Sling TV, 2.Starz, 3.Lightcast, 4.Muvi below.
So, stay tuned fellas!
1. Sling TV
If there is a popular streaming service that provides live TV and on-demand entertainment at reasonable costs, then it has to be Sling TV. From offering a range of packages that contain various channels, including sports, news, and entertainment channels, to letting you build your own channel as per your tastes and spending limit, Sling is considered to be the best in this genre.
Further, its adaptability and affordability are two of its best assets in addition to an intuitive user interface and accessibility on a variety of platforms & offer a number of bundles to pick from at an extra price.
Moreover, you may pause, rewind, and fast-forward when watching live TV or save and view later using their cloud DVR service charged at a low price.
Key Specs:
1. Supporting TV or OS – iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, web browsers, Amazon Fire TV, Air TV Player, Chromecast, Nexus player, Xbox One and certain smart TVs as well.
3. Geo Locations – Only inside the US.
4 Payment Options – Credit or debit cards, Amazon Pay, BitPay, or Cryptocurrencies.
5. Free Trial – 3 days
6. VPN Friendly – No
What is Pricing?
Sling Orange offers 30+ live channels at just $35 per month, Sling Blue provides 45+ channels at $35 per month. However, additional channels could be added at $60 per month and $5 is charged for DVR services.
2. Starz
Starz, which was initially launched in the 1990s as a simple premium channel, gradually developed into the wildly popular Starz network that Lionsgate now owns. It is a streaming service that may be accessed independently or as an add-on to a cable package or other services like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
Being accessible on a range of gadgets as well as operating systems, you can watch shows on the go with any device. Starz currently offers roughly 20 premium channels, a streaming service, and an Android and iOS mobile app in addition to more than 7,500 movies and TV show episodes.
Plus, they also have exclusive programming that you won’t find anywhere else including Power, Outlander, The Girlfriend Experience, American Gods.
Key Specs:
1. Supporting TV or Os – Apple/iTunes, Roku, Sling TV, YouTube, Google, Microsoft Xbox One, Amazon, Sony TVs with Android 5.0 and above, LG TVs with WebOS 3.0 and above, Firestick, Amazon Fire TV, iOS & Android devices Windows & macOS devices through web browsers.
2. Geo Locations – The United States and Puerto Rico.
3. Payment Options – PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discove
4. Free Trial – Yes, for 7 days.
6. VPN Friendly – NA
What is Pricing?
Monthly subscription of $8.99 and annual package of $74.99 is available in addition to discounted offers at $3 for 3 months.
3. Lightcast.com
From construction of TV Apps, Web, Mobile, and Social Apps to distribution of live streaming & on-demand content to several devices including Roku, AppleTV, FireTV, AndroidTV, SmartTVs, Mobile Apps, and Websites, Lightcast.com is a multi-platform provider of OVP & OTT App.
The best news about it is that for several years, it has been the leading creator of Android TV Apps, with over 1000 Android TV channels produced and published. They create a custom-branded Android TV app with an easy-to-use UI for you and release it on a dedicated app store just for you.
Additionally, the apps generated offer little to no buffering, high-quality streaming, built-in VOD, and live streaming, as well as it promises the fastest launch in the sector (15 business days after app submission).
Key Specs:
1. Supporting TV or Os – Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, Roku TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox, Playstation, iTunes, Facebook, YouTube.
2. Geo Locations – They cater their services to major parts of the world.
3. Payment Options – Credit/debit cards
4. Free Trial – You must reach out to their support team for learning about free trials.
5. VPN Friendly – No
What is Pricing?
With a discounted yearly fee ranging from $1990 to $17990, it offers 6 different packages.
4. Muvi
Muvi LLC is an Ashburn, Virginia-based technology firm that specializes in providing an end-to-end solution with its SaaS platform for creating Multi-Screen Video & Audio Streaming Platform to deliver live media content.
It includes a built-in CDN for content delivery, DRM for content protection, several monetization strategies with no initial investment, an online video player, metadata management, multiple payment options, in-app purchases, multicurrency, templates and much more.
Additionally, in just 24 hours, you can use Muvi One to release your own fully customized and exquisitely designed Android TV app for your streaming service.
Key Specs:
1. Supporting TV or Os – Web & mobile browsers, Android 6.0 & above, iOS 11.2 to latest version, TV OS 10.2 to 12.2, iPhones, Apple TV 4th generation, Android TV, Roku TV, Fire TV, Samsung Tizen OS of 3 to 4, LG WebOS of 4 to 4.5, Viewed TV and Chromecast Version 2.
2. Geo Locations – Muvi gives its users the option to limit material streaming based on their location.
3. Payment Options – Credit and debit cards as well as PayPal, Wire Transfer and other gateways on requisition.
4. Free Trial – Yes
5. VPN Friendly – No
What is Pricing?
Different packages available starting from $399 to $10000 per month on the basis of features they provide. Nevertheless, you can avail discounts up to 15 % by paying either half-yearly or annually.
Final Verdict!
WebOS Vs Android TV – Who’s the Winner?
Well, it is quite difficult to conclude which is better, because both Android TV and WebOS have their pros and cons. While WebOS gives a more simplistic UI and UX experience to users, Android TV on the other hand is known for its Google Play app stores, sideloading, and many more.
But this ain’t the deciding factor while creating your own WebOS or Android TV app development, because while opting for the premium Smart TVs, your focus should also be on the pricing, design, and hardware components.
So, all the best to you and yes, in case you like our post, we’ve a similar blog post for you that compares Tizen OS and Android TV. Hit the link if you are keen to learn.
Best FAQ for Web Os for Android TV
1.What is LG WebOS?
LG WebOS is a Linux-based operating system that is used in LG smart TVs for simple and efficient TV and internet streaming operation. It is an all-purpose web-based platform that gives customers access to the advanced functions of the TV as well as a wide range of apps and allows you to develop your own OTT streaming platform.
2.What is Android TV?
Android TV is developed by Google using the Android operating system and is optimized for big screens like television sets, soundbars, digital media players and set-top boxes. It is comparatively easy to use with its Google voice assistant, decent apps and user-friendly interface.
3.What are the Advantages of LG WebOS?
LG webOS has a number of benefits, such as a more pleasurable and intuitive user experience, smooth content playback, a web-based multipurpose platform that can handle multiple tasks, and easy navigation to favorite shows on YouTube, Hulu, Prime, etc.
Furthermore, LG webOS offers external sensor connections through a USB plug-in, eliminating the need for additional software or media players.
4.What are the Advantages of Android TV?
Android TV has a few benefits, including a user-friendly interface that is customizable for simple navigation, voice navigation controls for speedier searches, a comparatively lower price than traditional smart TVs, multiple streaming of media content from the internet, and compatibility with other Android devices.
Also, they enable connections to Google Play Store, from which users can freely access any apps or games.
5.What is the Difference Between LG WebOs and Android TV?
There are many similarities between the smart TV operating systems LG WebOS and Android TV, but they also differ in some ways. Whilst Google developed Android TV, which is available on many popular devices, LG created LG WebOS, a Linux-based operating system that is exclusively found in the company’s line of smart TVs.
In addition to this, there are other clear distinctions between them, including the previous version of WebOS’s simple user interface, Android TV’s greater app availability, and LG’s Magic Remote is better navigation.
6.How Does LG WebOS Work?
The Linux-based smart TV operating system WebOS, which is owned by LG, is designed to enable access to and control of LG Smart TV’s more sophisticated features and linked devices through a graphical user interface (GUI).
It functions in a way that enables users to communicate with smart TV and enables TV to function as desired. In addition to this, other tasks include running apps, exploring apps for installation, and operating the TV itself.
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