Reliance Jio’s latest innovation could redefine PC access in India, one television at a time.
Reliance Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries, has unveiled JioPC, a cloud-powered virtual desktop service that transforms ordinary television screens into affordable personal computers. Currently available via waitlist-only limited trial, the offering is aimed at making computing more accessible, particularly in price-sensitive and under-penetrated regions across India.
The AI-enabled JioPC functions through Jio’s existing set-top box infrastructure, converting TVs into functional cloud-based desktops when paired with a keyboard and mouse. The service is being bundled with Jio’s broadband plans or can be purchased separately for Rs 5,499 (approx. $64).
“It is ideal for browsing, running productivity apps, educational tools, attending online classes, and more,” Jio said in an official statement.
A Cloud-Powered, Maintenance-Free PC
JioPC runs entirely in the cloud and includes pre-loaded open-source software like LibreOffice for productivity needs. For those reliant on Microsoft Office, users can access the suite via a web browser, although it’s not pre-installed. The device doesn’t yet support accessories like webcams or printers, but it covers basic computing tasks, making it attractive for students and first-time PC users.
Importantly, JioPC requires a stable internet connection and does not function offline, positioning it as an internet-first computing model.
Why It Matters: Bridging India’s Digital Divide
JioPC addresses a major gap in digital infrastructure. Despite 70% of Indian households owning a television, only 15% have a computer, according to Counterpoint Research. JioPC leverages this gap by offering a low-cost, no-maintenance computing solution that works through existing TVs—a move that could bypass traditional affordability barriers.
“The idea of using the television set as a computer via the set-top box is innovative,” said Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint. “But JioPC will require strong consumer education to scale adoption.”
With no maintenance, no need for hardware upgrades, and centralized software management via the cloud, JioPC could also appeal to schools, small businesses, and rural households.
Strategic Timing and AI Ambitions
The launch comes just four months after Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, revealed that Jio was developing a cloud-based PC platform capable of supporting AI-driven applications. He had earlier described the service as “device-agnostic,” capable of working across a range of hardware formats.
Additionally, the timing aligns with reports of ongoing discussions between Reliance and OpenAI, which is reportedly looking to raise $40 billion. Reliance is said to be exploring both investment and commercial distribution partnerships with the AI firm. If the deal materializes, JioPC could become a gateway for deploying tools like ChatGPT across India, especially in households, schools, and businesses that previously had no access to computing power.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential, experts caution that connectivity issues, digital literacy, and perceived limitations of a virtual PC could hinder mass adoption.
“While its potential reach is broad, its success will depend on execution—especially in addressing connectivity gaps and digital literacy,” said Prabhu Ram, Vice President at CyberMedia Research.
According to IDC, India’s PC market grew by 8% YoY in Q1 2025, with 3.3 million units shipped. But even with this growth, overall PC penetration remains well below countries like the U.S. and China, largely due to smartphone dependence and limited household income.
Bottom Line: With JioPC, Reliance is not just launching a product—it’s launching a new computing model for India. Whether it becomes a transformative leap or a niche experiment will depend on how well it navigates consumer education, infrastructure constraints, and scalability.
If paired with next-gen AI services and cloud innovation, JioPC might just turn India’s ubiquitous TVs into the most affordable computers in the world.
