Smart tellies are now getting even smarter, as LG updates its webOS Hub 3.0 to include Auracast. It’s used in third-party sets rather than LG-made televisions.
We’ve come a long way from the days of the idiot’s lantern being banged up in a cabinet with the screen hidden from view and the Radio Times tucked away in a special folder lest anyone be offended by the sight of that week’s cover.
Now, our televisions are big and can dominate a wall. They are also narrow, meaning the days of placing vases, photos and heirlooms on top of the box are long gone. As is the old joke about there being nothing on the telly.
LG’s latest update will be a boost to everyone looking to manufacturers to implement the new Bluetooth standard. The television maker has been fairly coy about Auracast so far, with the only notable announcement coming from a joint press statement with Starkey.
Hopefully, this will change, especially with this update to webOS Hub 3.0 as the press release explicitly mentions Auracast.
The update to webOS Hub 3.0 is now starting to appear on supporting sets. The firm says this is initially for UHD TVs with 60Hz displays, and is also coming to 120Hz UHD TVs with mini-LED technology.
The rollout has begun.
What is in LG’s webOS Hub 3.0?
LG says the new webOS Hub 3.0 incorporates cutting-edge AI technologies and innovative features, such as voice recommendations, AI-powered picture quality enhancements, a Multiview function, an always-on display and support for Wi-Fi 6 and Auracast.
Note, the keyword there is support. It doesn’t guarantee that a television will be able to use Auracast, especially if it has the wrong Bluetooth codec. For example, LG’s QNED82A6B, which was released earlier this year, has Bluetooth 5.0 installed, rather than at least 5.2, the minimum standard required for Bluetooth LE Audio.
Other improvements with webOS Hub 3.0 include access to an array of OTT services and LG Channels, LG’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service. The company says its LG Channels now offers 4,000 channels across 33 markets across the world. These channels offer cost-free, ad-supported content to an increasingly international audience.
Gamers have access to a recently relaunched Gaming Portal, which LG says provides an intuitive way to browse and enjoy games without the need for external consoles or devices.
Chris Jo, head of webOS Platform Business Center at the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company, is pleased that web03 Hub 3.0 is being released as an update to the market.
“The launch of webOS Hub 3.0 marks a significant milestone in four key areas: market expansion, technological advancement, enhanced B2B partnerships and future growth,” they said.
“By providing differentiated value, LG is positioning webOS as the platform of choice for global B2B partners.”
A quick refresher: what is Bluetooth Auracast?
Introduced in mid‑2022 as an extension of Bluetooth 5.2, Bluetooth Auracast enables a TV (or other device) to broadcast multiple audio streams – such as different languages or commentaries – to an unlimited number of Auracast‑capable devices within range, including headphones, earbuds, hearing aids, cochlear impants, soundbars and AV receivers.
This expands beyond the current two‑receiver limit, allowing simultaneous listening on multiple headsets and perfect for households or multi‑device use.
And because the sound quality is streamed directly between devices with no bridging app needed, the quality is excellent and the latency (delay between signal being Auracast and received) is really impressive. Few people will notice any kind of lag.
It is transformative technology and, because it is platform-neutral, it will eventually mean any person will be able to mix and match technology based on its solution rather than being part of a walled garden limited by manufacturers’ whims.
LG’s support: hidden but present
LG’s own televisions use a different OS to webOS Hub 3.0 – their own-brand version is similar but different and called webOS 25.
It has been quietly rolling out support for Bluetooth Auracast on its 2025 OLED TV models and select high-end LCDs, marking a major leap in shared wireless audio capabilities.
Auracast is enabled on its 2025 OLED TV lineup and QNED85A LCD series and above. We have experienced this at the Reading branch of Richer Sounds, and we are delighted that we are now not the only ones to have discovered the technology.
Tom’s Guide journalist John Higgins said they used three different Auracast‑capable headsets to test the function, using Auracast assistant apps to tune in to the sound.
The feature is accessible via the standard Sound settings menu on supported 2025 LG TVs.
The website FlatPanelsHD has gone a stage further confirming all the model numbers and sizes in the 2025 LG range that has Auracast.
The range includes the B5, C5, G5, and QNED85A models.
The full table can be seen on its website,
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