LG Software Update to Bring Channel Plus Service to 2016 WebOS Smart TVs

LG webOS 3.0 smart TVs will get an upgrade this month with the addition of Xumo's Channel Plus streaming service that combines free over-the-top and over-the-air programs in a single list on the channel guide. Channel Plus offers free access to branded internet content -- such as live or on-demand programming from providers including Time, PBS Digital Studios, BuzzFeed, Mashable, Wired, Saveur, Cooking Light, GQ, Sports Illustrated and Reuters, said LG in a Wednesday announcement. Fifty branded Channel Plus offerings are available at launch and more are on the docket for later this year, said LG. Channel Plus feeds appear as traditional TV channels, so viewers can surf among broadcast and online programs using LG's Magic Remote without launching an app, said the company. Cable users can access the Channel Plus offerings by setting the TV input mode to Live TV or directly via the Channel Plus app, it said. Channel Plus will be available this month via a software update delivered to 2016 LG Smart TVs with webOS 3.0, LG said.