Jio Platforms Introduces JioPC: Turn Your TV into a PC with This New Service

JioPlatforms has launched a new virtual desktop service called JioPC. The service aims to turn televisions into personal computers and works through the Jio set-top box, which is available for free with Jio’s broadband plans or can be purchased separately for Rs 5,499 ($64). JioPC is currently on a free trial basis and by invitation only. This move reflects Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani’s ambition to enhance computing access in a country where PCs are not accessible to many.

JioPC is a virtual desktop service that allows users to access a cloud PC setup on their TV by connecting a keyboard and mouse. However, it does not support external devices like cameras or printers and does not come with pre-installed Microsoft Office. Users can access Office tools through the browser and the system comes with LibreOffice, an open-source alternative, already installed.

Despite these limitations, JioPC presents a promising concept. It could offer basic computing to households that have TVs but no computers. India has around 57 million active set-top box users, and the traditional DTH TV market is declining as more people shift to online streaming. On the other hand, the overall PC market in India grew over 8% in Q1 2025, reaching 3.3 million units. However, India still lags behind countries like the US and China in PC ownership due to device costs and smartphone popularity.

Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint, mentioned that JioPC is an effective way for the company to expand its user base, considering that only about 15% of Indian households own a PC. He highlighted the challenge of convincing people that a PC can be used on a TV through the set-top box. Prabhu Ram, vice president at CyberMedia Research, believes that JioPC could succeed among new users in underserved regions, but its success will depend on addressing connectivity gaps and digital literacy.

According to the source: The Times of India.