Jio working with Google to launch affordable 4G phone

NEW DELHI: Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is reportedly working with Google to develop an affordable smartphone that will work exclusively on the Mukesh Ambani-led telco's 4G network, according to media report.

The budget smartphone is expected to be launched before the end of this year. The report said that Google branding will help Reliance Jio reach a larger market, besides ensuring deep integration of the latter’s applications into Android platform.

Citing industry sources, TheHinduBusinessLine reports that the smartphone is expected to come pre-installed with Jio app ecosystem. As the apps will be tightly integrated into the operating system, it could also help to significantly improve the overall performance.

In addition to the smartphone, Google and Reliance Jio are also said to be working on developing software for the telco smart TV services, which will be launched later this year.

Apparently, this will be Google’s second attempt at launching affordable smartphones in India. Google initially launched Android One project-based affordable smartphones in India in September 2014. Priced under Rs 6,500, Google had partnered Micromax, Karbonn and Spice for manufacturing the smartphones but the project failed to create any buzz.

Reliance industries through its retail arm, Reliance Retail, is currently working with a number of Chinese ODMs to procure 4G VoLTE smartphones and pocket routers, besides Foxconn. It is sourcing these products from Chinese ODMs like ZTE, CK Telecom, Wingtech, and Tinno Mobile.

With Google recently putting emphasis on regional languages and also launching its voice assistant in Hindi, the same could be expected with the upcoming smartphone with Jio.