When it comes to smart TVs, there are many prominent choices in the market. Among the most popular ones, Android TV and WebOS are trending these days.
While both the operating systems are unique in their own way and even share many functions with each other, there are certain differences that need to be observed.
When choosing the right option, a customer must always be well informed of the pros and cons of the product they are purchasing.
The following information would help in differentiating and defining both the operating systems in question.
What is WebOS?
Owned by LG, WebOS is an operating system based on Linux that allows you to manage, control, and moderate the key features on your Smart TV.
The GUI, also known as a graphical user interface, allows the user to remotely access the devices that are synced to the software.
Over the years, WebOS has evolved to become one of the most popular choices when it comes to Smart TV.
It has a range of features and a specific display that makes it unique and desired.
Some of the features such as voice control and the variety of associated apps have deemed this operating system worthy of fame, however, to ensure that this is the OS that you truly require, one must take a closer look at the features.
What is Android TV?
Just like the WebOS, Android TV is also an operating system, however, it is designed by Google for various functions such as top-boxes and media players. Android TV is basically just a regular TV but with an Android-powered operating system that enables the user to access not only the features of the regular TV but all the apps associated with the Google app.
Every operating system offers a specific brand of features and a choice list of apps available but they differ in content accessibility and interface.
A detailed list of the features of Android TV can give the user a nice idea of whether or not this is the right choice for them.
Difference between Android TV vs WebOS
Although both of the said Smart TV options are operating systems, they differ in various ways. Here is a list of differences between Android TV and Web OS.
Interface
Android TV and WebOS looked a lot different a few years earlier but have both evolved to become more user-friendly with time.
The Android TV display now consists of rows of apps and content which is scattered all over the screen. On the other hand, WebOS presents a more flexible approach by the introduction of a dispatch bar that pops up the content when the mouse hovers over it.
While the former gives the interface a look similar to that of the phone, the latter provides a clutter-free display and a cleaner view. Obviously, things are easier to find on the Android TV given that they are right in front of you.
The WebOS might be easier to use as several apps can be opened side by side, whereas, on the Android TV, you have to close one app, revert back to the home screen and then open another.
Availability
While WebOS is available just in the case of Smart TV, the Android TV is available on a broader range of products such as streaming sticks and set-top boxes.
Remote control
Here we have a direct comparison with the LG magic remote and the Android TV remote. These could either come with the package or be bought separately depending on the store policy.
When it comes to remotes, WebOS provides a much better and more user-friendly alternative than Android TV. The LG magic remote allows the user to navigate easily as if with the use of a mouse, thus making it easier to type text and to operate on the screen.
The Android remote is painstakingly old-fashioned and the pointer needs to click on each alphabet to type a command or a sentence making it more tedious.
Variety of apps
As far as quantity is concerned, Android Tv has access to Google play which serves a larger quantity of apps for use as compared to WebOS.
Along with that feature, Android TV allows the function of sideloading, a concept where if an app is not available on Google Play to download, an app. file may be downloaded and executed instead.
Android TV vs WebOS: the verdict?
As we have seen that Android TV has the advantage of greater access to the apps and a traditional but familiar interface to use.
Moreover, Android TV is not just limited to the smart tv but has the potential of being used on other devices as well which may cost less than an entire TV set. To wrap it all, Android TV also supports sideloading in case an app is not available on the Google play store.
On the other hand, LG WebOS stands to benefit those who are looking for a more minimalistic style of display and more fluent navigation with the aid of the LG Magic Remote. The choice, all in all, comes down to the demands of the user.
If the user can afford both the operating systems and have use of only limited apps, which the WebOS can give access to, then they should stick to the WebOS as it is easier to navigate and clutter-free.
However, if a person is looking for a nominal rate, trying to explore the most out of the apps, and doesn’t mind the traditional navigating system, Android TV is certainly a better option for them.
Although both the OS have their pros and cons, as long as any new versions are introduced to the market, the Android Tv clearly has more to offer than the WebOS.
Still, a new version of WebOS is being introduced promising a greater variety of apps and accessibility to a broader range of devices. The competition, thus, is evolving with every day that passes.
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