Skip to main content

LG announces a big, free webOS 2.0 upgrade for last year’s smart TVs

LG WebOS
Image used with permission by copyright holder
There’s nothing worse than investing in a smart TV that becomes obsolete too soon. You plunk down a couple of Benjamins, expecting software updates and new features for at least a few years, only to learn that the greedy manufacturer’s deprecated your model to push its latest and greatest. Owners of first-gen webOS TVs have probably been anticipating that day, but it thankfully isn’t here yet — LG is pledging to backport key features from the lightning-fast webOS 2.0 system to previous generation (2014) TVs.

Just what do those features entail? Mainly performance and usability enhancements, LG says. The Value Pack Upgrade includes a “more intuitive” layout and shortcuts, reduced boot-up time, and generally improved responsiveness — basically, the majority of the features we love about the latest webOS installment.

Recommended Videos

In addition, the upgrade adds MyChannels, a sort of favorites bar to which you can pin live TV channels and app channels to the webOS launcher; Quick Settings, an overlay on top of playing content that lets you tweak display settings; and miscellaneous other improvements to the Live Menu.

LG isn’t the first to offer upgrades to owners of older sets — Samsung sells an Evolution Kit for some of its smart TVs — but LG is the first do so at no charge. In comparison, Samsung’s Evolution Kit retails for a wallet-busting $400.

“LG is dedicated to providing the best user experience for the life of our smart TVs,” said LG TV and Monitor Division VP Lee In-kyu in a press release. “A free upgrade of this scale is unprecedented in the smart TV industry and we’re proud to be setting a new standard for smart TV ownership.”

The Value Pack Upgrade comes on the heels of LG’s new smart TV app and content deals. Rdio and iHeart Radio will roll out to webOS 2.0 TVs sometime this month, and the Korea-based company announced a partnership with DirecTV in January that will see subscribers to the satellite provider’s service gain access to 4K programming, following a previously exclusive partnership with Samsung TVs.

Owners of 2014 LG webOS TVs looking forward to the new features shouldn’t have to wait too long: LG says the Value Pack Upgrade will begin rolling out Starting September 21 for owners of webOS 1.0 TVs who’ve enabled automatic updates. (Those who haven’t will get an onscreen prompt guiding them through the process).

Kyle Wiggers
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kyle Wiggers is a writer, Web designer, and podcaster with an acute interest in all things tech. When not reviewing gadgets…
Konka shows off WebOS-based smart TVs ahead of CES 2021
Konka U4 Series webOS TV

Konka U4 Series WebOS TV Konka

Konka may not be one of the household TV brands here in the U.S., but the Chinese company has plans to change that in 2021. In a briefing ahead of CES 2021, Konka revealed its 2021 U.S. TV lineup to Digital Trends -- and it includes one of the first non-LG models to sport LG's WebOS smart TV software. Though LG has it's hands full with announcing its latest QNED TVs.

Read more
Best headphone deals: AirPods, Sony, Sennheiser and more
Beats Studio Pro sitting on travel case.

A new set of headphones is a great way to enjoy your favorite content. There’s a lot of savings out there right now, with some impressive headphone deals to shop among the current Beats headphone deals, AirPods deals, Bose headphone deals, and Sony headphone deals, and more. And because some of the best headphone deals are scattered across Amazon deals, Walmart deals, and Best Buy deals we’ve decided to round them all up in one place. Reading onward you’ll find our selections for the best headphone deals going on right now, as well as some information on why each set of headphones might best suit your listening needs. If you’re also looking for some cool devices to pair them with you can shop TV deals, gaming console deals, phone deals, and tablet deals.
JBL Tune 770NC -- $90 $130 30% off

JBL is known for its great audio, and since it was taken over by Samsung it has continued that excellent tradition.. The JBL Tune 770NC wireless headphones have surprisingly good audio for how much they cost, with solid mid-performance and a clear soundstage, but more interestingly, they have really great noise canceling that comes with an ambient noise boost mode so you can stay aware of your surroundings. It also comes with a solid app that has an EQ that lets you adjust the levels if you don't like the sound out of the box, and the Tune 770NC are capable of reaching up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Read more
This Insignia 55-inch 4K TV is only $240 today
The Insignia 50-inch F30 Series 4K Smart Fire TV hangs in a living room.

If you’re shopping around for a budget-friendly TV, one of the best brands to go with is Insignia. This is a Best Buy house brand that’s been around for a while, and Insignia TVs are designed with cost-cutting in mind. You won’t find all the bells and whistles of more advanced QLEDs and OLEDs on these models, but Insignia doesn’t skimp on picture quality and powerful smart TV tools. And one of the best TV deals this week just happens to be for an Insignia set:

When you purchase the Insignia 55-inch F30 Series at Best Buy or Amazon, you’ll spend $240 today. At full price, this model size goes for $350.

Read more