Heard around CES: LG will introduce webOS powered wearable at MWC this spring

Just as it seemed as though the fate of webOS was settling on the reality that its future would lie in smart televisions, LG is gearing up to go head-to-head against Samsung and its Tizen OS in more ways than one, add wearables to the list.

We have learned on good authority that LG will introduce a new wearable at the Mobile World Congress this year in Barcelona, and that wearable will be powered by webOS.

Rumors of a webOS powered smartwatch came to light a few months ago when an LG device, model number VC-100, made a visit with the FCC. Based on the information at the time, this device would be a standalone unit, much like the Samsung Gear S, able to make and receive calls on its own. Aside from the pending announcement, that is all we really know about the device.

What makes this news so exciting is it brings webOS back into mobile. It may not be in a smartphone, but if LG can properly execute on a webOS smartwatch with its own connectivity, what is to stop them from going to work on a smartphone down the road? The original webOS-powered handset, the Palm Pre, was one of the highest rated devices we ever reviewed. The smooth experience, nifty form factor, and ease of use helped Palm generate a devoted following.

Unfortunately, Palm was not in a strong enough position to put real iron in webOS’ glove to make the platform grow. So, with what seemed to be a great development at the time, HP bought Palm and decided it was going to get into mobile. We all know how that worked out, and if you ask a webOS devotee today about the debacle that was HP, chances are the thought will still set him or her on a rant.  Fortunately, LG saw webOS for what it was, and acquired the technology from HP.  

We hope to learn more about the webOS smartwatch as MWC looms closer. Of course, PhoneArena.com will be there to cover the news as it develops.

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