Jio Platforms launches JioPC, a virtual desktop service that turns TV into PC; free trial start

Time of India

2 days ago

JioPlatforms has launched a new
virtual desktop service
called JioPC. The service is aimed at turning televisions into personal computers and works through the Jio set-top box, which comes free with Jio's broadband plans or can be bought separately for Rs 5,499 ($64).
JioPc
is currently available on a free trial basis and by invitation only. The move signals
Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani
's ambition to expand computing access in a country where PCs are still out of reach for many.
What is JioPC
As mentioned above, JioPC is a virtual desktop service. It lets users access a
cloud PC
setup on their TV by simply plugging in a keyboard and mouse.
At this stage, JioPC does not support external devices such as cameras or printers. It also does not come with Microsoft Office pre-installed. Instead, users can access Office tools through the browser. The system comes with LibreOffice, an open-source alternative, already installed.
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Undo
Despite these restrictions, the concept appears promising. JioPC could become a new way to offer basic computing to homes that already have TVs but no computers.
According to the government data, India has around 57 million active set-top box users. But the traditional direct-to-home (DTH) TV market is declining as more people switch to online streaming. Between March last year and this year, DTH subscriptions dropped by 8%.
Meanwhile, the overall PC market in India grew over 8% in Q1 2025, reaching 3.3 million units. Still, India lags behind countries like the US and China in PC ownership, mainly due to the high cost of devices and the popularity of smartphones.
'JioPC is a very effective way for the Mumbai-headquartered company to increase its user base,' Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint told TechCrunch. He noted that while 70% of Indian households have a TV, only about 15% own a PC.
However, he also warned of a challenge: 'You need to convince people that you can still use a PC on your TV using the set-top box.'
Prabhu Ram, vice president at CyberMedia Research, believes the product could succeed among new users in underserved regions. 'While its potential reach is broad, its success will depend on execution — especially in addressing connectivity gaps and digital literacy,' he said.
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