Definition: webOS

(1) (Web OS) Any operating system designed for Web use only is a Web OS. See ChromeOS.

(2) An open source Linux-based operating system for TVs and appliances from LG. Developed by Palm and introduced on the Palm Pre in 2009, webOS features touchscreen operation and support for Web technologies such as JavaScript, CSS and HTML5.

After HP's acquisition of Palm in 2010, webOS made its way into HP tablets for a short time. HP later dropped its smartphone and tablet lines, making webOS open source (Open webOS). In 2013, LG acquired webOS to replace its NetCast smart TV platform, and five years later made it open source again (webOS Open Source Edition). See HP TouchPad and Palm Incorporated.

WebOS in an OLED TV

This is the latest version of webOS being downloaded to an LG OLED TV in 2022. LG smart refrigerators also use webOS. See smart TV and OLED.