LG's webOS-Based Smart ThinQ TVs to Get Native Hotstar App

LG has partnered with Indian video-on-demand (VOD) streaming platform Hotstar, which brings its native app to LG's Smart AI ThinQ televisions, running on the webOS. So far, LG's webOS televisions have had popular VOD apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, to name a few and now, users can now finally access Hotstar too.

LG hasn't specified when it's actually launching but the release gives us the impression that it should already be live, so if you have a webOS TV at home, you could check and see if it's available. There's no mention of any specific-supported models of LG TVs beyond Smart ThinQ, and we expect you should be able to access it on pretty much any webOS TV from the company. LG's Smart TV range starts from Rs. 32,500 and are available in sizes ranging from 32 inches, all the way up to 77 inches. We've reached out to LG for clarity on both these fronts and will update this space when we hear back.

Speaking on the occasion, Sidharth Shakhder, EVP, Hotstar, said, “We are happy to partner with LG in making the Hotstar app available on their WebOS platform. This strategic association will enable LG smart TV consumers to transform their TV viewing experience and access our expansive entertainment library as well as live sports and news, seamlessly on their TV screens.”

According to Hotstar, the platform currently has over 150 million monthly active users and offers over 1,200 shows and 3,500 movies in nine languages. It's also been a popular service since it showcases major local and global sporting events and currently, is the only one to offer shows from HBO, such as Game of Thrones. The streaming platform has also recently been dabbling with its own original programming, dubbed ‘Hotstar Specials,' similar to the way Netflix and Prime Video have been producing for a while now.