LG introduces open source version of webOS for Raspberry Pi 3

LG has announced webOS Open Source Edition. The operating system is optimized for the Raspberry Pi 3 but the intention is for the software to come to more devices with help from developers.

LG has agreed with the Korean National IT Industry Promotion Agency that it will help start-ups in the country to further develop and use webOS Open Source Edition, with the ultimate goal that the companies can deploy the software for commercial products.

With the availability of the open source version, LG hopes that the software will be used worldwide for a range of devices. To help developers get started, LG makes an SDK available, as well as manuals and a forum.

WebOS OSE currently only supports building systems with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS 64bit and LG does not recommend that developers run the software in a virtual machine on Windows or macOS. Furthermore, the current version is optimized for use on a Raspberry Pi 3.

WebOS has a long history. Originally developed by Palm for smartphones, it was supposed to make it easy for developers to develop apps by using web techniques like HTML, Javascript and CSS. It did not bring Palm the hoped-for success, after which HP bought it, but this company was also unable to use the software successfully. LG, after purchasing it from HP, uses the operating system for its smart TVs.