Jio Platforms Unveils Cloud-Based Virtual Desktop

Reliance Industries’ digital arm, Jio Platforms, has launched a cloud-based virtual desktop service for its set-top box users. 

In a statement, the company claimed that the AI-powered service, called JioPC, can “transform any TV into a fully functional computer” via its set-top box. The offering comes bundled for free with Reliance Jio’s broadband service and can also be purchased separately for INR 5,499. 

Currently in free trial mode, JioPC has been made available for select consumers via a waitlist. After receiving their invite, customers can simply plug in their keyboard and mouse to access the virtual desktop on their TV screens. 

However, JioPC currently has no support for external peripheral devices such as cameras and printers. As per its website, the service currently has open-source LibreOffice pre-installed with users having to separately access Microsoft Office apps via the available browser.

“It is ideal for browsing, running productivity apps, educational tools, attending online classes, and more. It is affordable, requires no upfront cost, and eliminates maintenance or upgrade worries since everything is managed in the cloud,” read JioPC’s website. 

Additionally, users will need continuous internet connectivity to avail the virtual desktop service.

This comes four months after Jio Infocomm chairman Akash Ambani, in March this year, said that Jio Platforms was building a cloud-based PC, which would allow users to deploy compute-intensive AI applications. At the time, he said that the cloud-based offering would be device agnostic.

With this, Jio could be looking to tap into Indian households with TV to introduce its digital offerings to a new wave of consumers. The offering could also serve as a jumping board to onboard new users for its set top box offering from under-penetrated and low-income households.

While there appears no clarity so far on whether JioPC will be able to run AI apps, any such offerings could bring a new swathe of users for the conglomerate. 

Notably, the launch of JioPC also comes a month after reports surfaced that ChatGPT maker OpenAI was in talks with Reliance Industries, and others for its $40 Bn funding round. Reliance was reportedly slated to pump in “at least hundreds of millions of dollars” as part of the fundraise. 

At the time, it was also reported that the AI giant was looking to partner with Reliance on new AI businesses, including a partnership with Jio to distribute or sell its AI offerings, including ChatGPT.