LG to issue webOS TV update, adds content partners

 is releasing a free firmware upgrade for its 2014 webOS smart TVs and is adding new content partners to the platform – including HD and 4K video from DirecTV.

LG said the update will give TV owners “virtually all of the new webOS 2.0 features that debuted on this year’s new Smart TV models”. These include an improved user experience, more intuitive layout, shortcuts, quicker boot-up time and even faster response when switching between apps.

The webOS 2.0 TVs will also offer “more online access to more streaming content than ever before”, according to LG, including, on selected models, the DirecTV Ready and DirecTV 4K Ready applications. The latter offers 4K UHD titles, including new releases, popular films and nature documentaries.

Other new content partners for LG webOS TVs that are due to launch this month include the iHeartRadio and Rdio music streaming services.

“As more consumers embrace streaming content as a preferred method for their video consumption, our goal is to ensure LG smart TVs are offering the simplest, fastest ways to access content services,” said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics.

“Continuing to add high-value content providers, such as DirecTV, supports our webOS brand promise of ‘making TV simple again,’ even on previous years’ models as seen with our webOS updates.”

The firmware update us due to happen later this month and will give current webOS 1.0 users the improved webOS 2.0 platform, which includes: a faster performance when launching the home menu, accessing settings and loading applications; a ‘my channels’ option that allows users to customise their favourite live TV or set-top box channels on the launcher bar; and improved ‘quick settings’.

Other updates include faster access to TV inputs and a modified live menu, which updates the live channel list with new look and more detailed information.