India's richest man wants to turn every TV into a computer

Jio has introduced JioPC – a cloud-based virtual computer for TVs via a set-top box. It is perfect for those who cannot otherwise afford a classic computer.

Photo: Jio

Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Indian giant Reliance Industries, has launched a new service called JioPC – a cloud-based virtual computer for users of its digital set-top boxes, which allows them to access a virtual PC right from their TV. The company’s chairman and India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, wants to turn millions of televisions into functional computers with this project.

The service is available via the Jio digital receiver, which is available free with a broadband subscription or can be purchased separately for a calculated 59 euros. Currently, JioPC is available for free and by invitation only. To use, the user only needs a keyboard and mouse connected to the TV.

There are some limitations, however. There is currently no support for external devices (cameras, printers). The open-source LibreOffice office suite is installed, while Microsoft Office applications can be accessed via a browser. An expert from Counterpoint says that JioPC could increase the user base, which already numbers more than 488 million. While almost 70 percent of Indian households have a TV, only 15 percent have a computer.

India has about 57 million active DTH subscribers, but the market is shrinking due to the shift to internet services - subscriptions have fallen by 8 percent in the past year. Analyst firm CyberMedia Research adds that JioPC could reach rural and less affluent users. But success will depend on quality implementation, improving digital literacy and the ability to go beyond early adopters.

India's PC market grew 8 percent in the first quarter, with shipments totaling 3.3 million units, but PC growth remains sluggish, with most people using smartphones as their primary computing device. To succeed, Jio will need to work with app developers and offer enough functionality to make the service viable in real-world situations. While virtual desktops have been around for a long time in businesses, JioPC is the first serious attempt at mass adoption among consumers.