Over the last few years, there have been certain buzzwords we cannot escape. Let’s see we have: hybrid work, remote work, work from home, user experience, etc. Work/Life balance isn’t a new concept by any means. Personally, it’s always been an item that I have been dinged for on my reviews for years. Some of us just can’t shutoff and we accept that. Now, we have a new offering with Windows 365 on LG WebOS 23 TVs (basically the new B3, C3 and G3 devices). Today, I will talk about the new WebOS 23 for a minute, cover first impressions, and show you a demo of the user experience with Windows 365 on LG WebOS 23.
What’s New with LG WebOS 23
First, let’s cover the basic specs on the C3 models, which I think is relevant. I’m mainly focused on the PC-centric features:
Connectivity Specs
- Bluetooth 5.0 Support
- Ethernet
- 4 HDMI ports (4K 120Hz eARC, VRR, ALLM, QMS)
- IP Control
- RS-232C Input
- 3 USB Ports
Gaming Specs
- Auto Low Latency Mode
- G-SYNC compatible
- FreeSync
- Cloud Gaming with GeForce Now or Utomik
- Variable Refresh Rate
- Response time of <0.1 ms
Picture Processing
- AI Picture Pro
- OLED Motion
- AI Super Upscaling 4K
- HDR w/ Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
- a9 AI Processor Gen6
Overall Features
Most of their major focus now is on AI-driven audio and video. Their new AI processor optimizes picture and performance. They have a brightness booster to improve brightness and help with even well-lit rooms.
They are also focusing a ton on delivering a “console-esque” gaming experience through cloud gaming solutions like GeForce Now. It’s definitely a very interesting idea as they now support G-SYNC and GeForce Now is built right into the TV itself.
The main thing that brings us here today is “Home Office” their new offering that enables people to leverage their TV for work:
Home Office gives us a ton of different options. Obviously the main one is Windows 365, which gives you an amazing Windows 365 application, but you can also RDP to a Remote PC or use the Chrome Remote Desktop.
First Impressions of the LG WebOS 23 Integration
The TV is honestly gorgeous. It operates really well and has an appealing interface. I do love the fact that the Home Office app mentioned above is organically inside of the core OS. Despite the fact that it was ridiculously hard to record, I love what they did.
The Windows 365 application is clearly web-based, which you can tell from the flow of things. With that said, the user experience is fantastic. Some of the benefits:
- Remembers your Microsoft Identities after you login the first time like any other Windows device.
- Doesn’t require you to pair devices to the TV like other core OS parts of the LG TV
- Relatively fast (My first time logging in, even without a keyboard took me under 5 minutes)
- Works beautifully with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
- Operates well with MFA solutions like Okta Verify.
My recommendation on hardware is the Microsoft All-In-One Media Keyboard. I could see some people opting for a keyboard and mouse combination, but since I fully plan to hangout on my couch this is the one for me.
I could see some people going for the Microsoft Bluetooth Desktop, but I don’t really want to be using a side table or coffee table to navigate my mouse. I could see some power users needing a full mouse however.
Windows 365 on LG WebOS 23 Demo
Now, let’s check out the demo that brings it all together:
Final Thoughts
I am super excited about this solution. It would be nice to see Citrix or VMware Horizon go more down this route. Samsung has a similar solution but its not as organic. Most of it requires DEX outside of RDP, but overall, not a solution I love. Hybrid work really is about wanting to work wherever and however you want to work. I believe that tearing down the silos and bringing work to the living room (although not the most healthy idea) is something that people will really embrace.
My main criticism is the need to buy a 2023 LG TV to achieve this. I did it because I was just a bit too excited not to, but it certainly creates major challenges for many of us. This is an exciting time for EUC technologies and Microsoft seems to have the finger on the pulse of users with Windows 365. They now have the ball and are running with it.
