The most well-known and frequently used names in this era of technologies are smart TVs, WebOS, and Android TVs. Brands of smart TVs come with integrated systems. The system appears to be professional and minimalist on the surface. A bar containing the most popular TV features and apps can be opened with just a push of a button.
Although these TV operating systems share some features, they are very distinct from one another. You must understand the distinctions between Smart TV, WebOS, and Android TV in order to make an informed choice, regardless of the industry you work in or whether you just want to stream shows on a smart TV.
Key Takeaways
- Android TV supports various applications and games from the Google Play Store, while Smart TVs and WebOS offer limited app selections from their respective app stores.
- Android TV features Google Assistant integration, enabling voice control and advanced search capabilities; Smart TVs and WebOS rely on built-in voice assistants with less functionality than Google Assistant.
- WebOS provides a more user-friendly and intuitive interface than Android and Smart TVs, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use.
Android TV and Smart TV vs webOS
An Android TV is essentially a smart TV with additional Android OS features and capabilities. Android TVs and smart TVs cannot coexist. Google powers all Android TVs because the company creates Android. Android TVs offer a more user-friendly and intuitive UI as a result of Google’s user-friendly navigation. Smart TVs are technologically advanced.
WebOS, on the other hand, is an operating system created by LG that runs on Linux. The majority of them are only found in the company’s line of smart TVs.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Android TV | Smart TV | webOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android | Samsung Smart TVs | LG owned, Linux based |
| Apps | Download apps from Google Play Store | Limited library apps | LG Smart TV webOS apps |
| Firmware update | Supports Google Play Store | Rarely updates | LG software and apps |
| Performance | Slow performance | Faster performance | Trustworthy high-performance |
| Cost | Expensive | Average price | Expenssive |
What is Android TV?
A smart TV operating system based on Android is known as an “Android TV” and is created by Google for a variety of devices, including digital media players, TV sets, set-top boxes, etc. Users of an Android TV can get access to a variety of apps. It includes content that can be accessed on Android smartphones.
Users can now take advantage of an improved experience of all versions available on big screens via Android TV apps, starting from streaming apps like Netflix to single-player or multiplayer, voice searches, online & offline gaming, etc.
Because Google Assistant is integrated, it allows voice control and gives you access to other device control. Without a complicated menu system, the card-based interface works in a familiar way, making it simpler to accomplish your goals.
The possibility exists for Android app developers to optimize their apps for the experience on a widescreen, and there are many essential entertainment apps already accessible. Anything from weather information services to gaming might fall under this category. You can quickly tailor the content of your TV with Android TV.
What is Smart TV?
Any TV that can access additional programming via Internet connectivity is referred to as a Smart TV, sometimes known as an Internet TV, like having a computer integrated into your television. The ability to connect to the internet and the presence of numerous pre-installed apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook are the major features that make smart TVs apart from traditional TVs.
However, most Smart TV operating systems aren’t upgradeable, so when new programs or services, like Hulu or Kayo, become available, you might need to think about purchasing a brand-new TV solely to support them.
Smart TVs may wirelessly link to a wide range of potential input devices to improve usability and control. Text entry, navigation, and web browsing can all be done from the sofa with the help of wireless keyboards, mice, cell phones, and tablet PCs.
What is webOS?
Smart TVs use the Linux-based Web OS operating system, which LG owns. Through a GUI or graphical user interface, LG WebOS gives users access and control over more sophisticated functions and linked devices.
Beginning in the year 2009, Palm unveiled WebOS as a mobile operating system. Since then, it has been incorporated into other Palm & HP cellphones before being altered by HP to create tablet PCs. In 2013, LG made the deal, and HP later declared web OS open source. When LG acquired webOS, it was later customized further into a smart TV operating system.
In essence, WebOS is the web-based operating system that drives the LG Smart TV. You can use WebOS TV as a platform to build feature-rich web apps because it has strong capabilities. Additionally, webOS TV is built on a well-known tech stack, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, allowing you to pick how you want to create your own OTT streaming platform.
Main Differences Between Android TV and Smart TV and webOS
Android TV
- Large app library
- Continuous firmware and app updates
- Google Play, Music, Movies, etc.
- Google Assistant
- A bit of interface complexity, especially for those unfamiliar with the Android
Smart TV
- User-friendly, straightforward UI
- A TV that can be set up instantly
- A small selection of apps
- Systems that receive fewer firmware upgrades may become dated.
- Roku serves as a smart TV’s operating system.
webOS
- Wide-ranging development technology support
- Adaptable and extensible architecture
- Including modern open-source technology in your system
- Easy platform opening across several sectors
- webOS OSE is utilized Yocto Project’s OpenEmbedded build system
Last Updated : 29 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
