The latest version of LG's TV operating system, webOS 6.0, has a redesigned homescreen in full-screen that replaces the bottom bar. It will be available on LG's 2021 models.

LG webOS version 6.0
LG introduced webOS in 2014. Since then, the TV platform has revolved around the bottom bar with its app icons and shortcuts. This changes in 2021 with webOS 6.0. LG calls it the most significant update to webOS since the introduction.

- "The latest version of our user-friendly open TV platform webOS 6.0 represents the most significant update since we first introduced webOS in 2014," said Park Hyoung-sei, president of LG HE Company. "With the new edition of webOS, LG is demonstrating its commitment of offering services, products and technologies that respond to the needs and wants of our valued customers."

LG's webOS 6.0 has a redesigned homescreen in full-screen called 'New Home' that replaces the bottom bar. Here you will find your apps, highlighted content, widgets such as weather, as well as sponsored content, as seen in the photo. LG did not detail its plans for sponsored content in its press annoncement.



Version 6.0 of webOS will be available on LG's 2021 OLED and LCD TVs. The company did not announce plans to update previous TV models with webOS 6.0. In the past, LG has declined to upgrade webOS in its previous TVs.

- "Users familiar with webOS will immediately notice the attractively updated home screen redesigned for enhanced usability and to meet the needs of viewers’ changing content consumption habits. The New Home screen provides faster access to the most frequently used apps and streamlines content discovery with recommendations based on the user’s preferences and viewing history. All displayed full-screen to show preferred content and related information at one glance, the New Home acts as a central hub for settings and the greater webOS ecosystem," the company added.

Current apps for webOS will continue to work as before.



New features in webOS 6.0
Together with webOS 6.0, LG is introducing a redesigned remote control (Magic Remote) with a built-in microphone for "new voice commands for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa". The remote has sponsored keys for Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.

A 'Magic Tap' feature uses NFC to let the users share content from their NFC-compatible smartphones. A 'Magic Explorer' feature (replaced Magic Link) "delivers informative content related to what’s showing on screen so viewers can learn more about the actors, locations and other items of interest in the movies and shows they’re watching".

A 'Next Picks' feature recommends new content based on the user's preferences. This works with connected set-top-boxes as well as streaming apps, according to LG.

LG's webOS is one of several TV operating systems available in the US and Europe. Samsung is using its in-house Tizen platform while Sony, TP Vision's Philips, Sharp and others are using Google's Android TV, which will soon become Google TV. In the US, brands like TCL have partnered with Roku, and Amazon is also letting TV makers use FireTV. So far, TV makers are sticking to their guns with little consolidation in the market.

LG will unveil its 2021 TV line-up next week at CES.