LG Electronics has unveiled a slew of application updates for its TVs in the past 24 hours, the most important of which has to be the availability of Nvidia’s GeForce Now video game streaming service.
The Korean firm has revealed that GeForce Now is coming to WebOS 6.0 TVs, which means its 2021 TV models, on November 19 in 80 markets. It didn’t provide a full list of models that can support the app, but we expect it to be available on most of its OLED, QNED Mini LED and even its NanoCell LCD TVs.
For those with an older LG TV, they’re out of luck – at least in the meantime, as there’s no word if or when the company might make GeForce Now gaming more widely available.
GeForce Now supports video game streaming at up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second on LG TVs. The service is free for those who don’t mind limited access and being restricted to one hour gaming sessions, while those who want more access can sign up for a premium subscription.
GeForce Now was already available on Windows PCs, Chrome OS, Android, macOS and of course, on Nvidia’s Shield TV streaming box, but this is the first time it has been made accessible directly through any smart TV.
At launch, LG said only the free-to-play titles will be accessible. That means a library of just 35 titles for now, though it’s hoped that paid-for titles will be made available at a later date. Some of the top free-to-play titles include Rocket League, Destiny 2, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Crysis Remastered Trilogy.
The news is a big win for LG of course and cements the status of its TVs as the single best option for gamers with a key games portal not available on rival TVs from the likes of Samsung, Sony or Panasonic. LG’s support for Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync and its extensive list of next-generation games features including HDMI 2.1, variable refresh rate and auto low-latency mode, plus its exclusive support for 4K Dolby Vision gaming at 120 frames per second really help to set its TVs apart from the competition.
“LG customers are expecting the best when it comes to gaming on a large screen," said Lee Sang-woo, SVP of corporate business strategy, LG Electronics HE. "Partnering with Nvidia to bring GeForce Now to LG TV owners is a sign of our commitment to deliver the best gaming experience on LG TVs running webOS."
Yet more apps
Non-gamers won’t be excited much by the news at all, but there is more to look forward to with the Apple Music app providing access to millions of songs that can now be streamed directly to supported LG TVs.
LG said the Apple Music app provides access to more than 90 million tracks and music videos in 4K resolution, plus over 30,000 curated playlists, live radio and time-synced lyrics for those who like to sing along.
The app is free to download via the LG Content Store in supported regions and works on TVs running webOS 4.0 and later, which will be good news for those with an older model.
Note however the app doesn’t provide the full Apple Music experience as it lacks support for Dolby Atmos and lossless streaming, which are two of the main features of the app on other platforms.
Fitness freaks on the other hand will be delighted to learn of the availability of the Peloton app on LG TVs, assuming they live in the U.S., that is. Peloton is a paid subscription app that provides access to hundreds of fitness and work-out videos and is said to work with LG TVs from 2016 or later.
"Peloton uses a combination of technology, content and best-in-class instructors to empower people through fitness,” LG and Peloton said in a joint statement. “The live and on-demand library of classes with curated music is designed to keep Peloton Members coming back so they can reach their fitness goals, on their schedules, anywhere they want.”
Last but not least, LG has announced availability of the Shop Time app in the U.K. for 2020 and 2021 TV owners. Shop Time is a special kind of app that makes it possible to use the LG Magic Remote to purchases goods and services from various shopping channels such as QVC UK in just a couple of clicks.
Besides making purchases easier and more convenient, it also allows viewers to save items they’re interested in and buy them later when they’re ready. In addition, the app will also provide curated recommendations for other products that might interest them, based on their shopping histories.
