Reliance Jio has launched Reliance JioPC, a virtual desktop platform that turns ordinary televisions into full-fledged personal computers. This cloud-powered solution, accessible via Jio’s set-top box, aims to revolutionize digital access for millions of Indian households.
Currently available in early access through a waitlist, JioPC runs on cloud infrastructure and brings a complete desktop experience directly to the TV screen. Users can simply connect a keyboard and mouse (wired or Bluetooth) to start using the service. It supports office productivity tools like LibreOffice, and Microsoft Office apps can be accessed through the browser. The platform operates on Ubuntu Cinnamon, with virtual desktops configured with 4 vCPUs, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB of storage.
The service also includes access to cloud-based AI tools such as ChatGPT, allowing users to leverage modern AI capabilities for learning and productivity.
Bridging the Digital Divide in India
With over 70% of Indian households owning a television but only 15% having access to a personal computer, Reliance JioPC comes as a potential game-changer. The service addresses a significant gap in India’s digital infrastructure by offering an affordable, low-maintenance computing solution using devices people already own.
According to Counterpoint Research, this move could enable widespread access to online education, remote work, and digital services, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. JioPC’s data is stored in the cloud, meaning users can resume their work securely even if the hardware fails.
Experts believe Reliance JioPC could be especially beneficial for students, small business owners, and first-time PC users. “JioPC democratizes access to computing by removing cost and complexity from the equation,” said Prabhu Ram, Head of Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research.
Challenges Ahead and What’s Next
Despite its promise, Reliance JioPC has some limitations in its current form. It does not yet support webcams, printers, or scanners—features often essential for a full computing experience. Educating consumers on how to use the platform effectively will also be key to its adoption.
The Indian desktop and laptop market is slowly growing, with an 8% year-over-year rise in PC shipments in Q1 2025, even as traditional DTH set-top box usage declines. According to TechCrunch, JioPC’s future depends on how well it integrates more apps, improves hardware compatibility, and expands its reach through partnerships.
Strategically, JioPC is also part of a broader vision. It aligns with JioBrain, Jio’s new cloud-based AI initiative aimed at enabling compute-intensive applications in the cloud, as announced by Akash Ambani. This signals that JioPC is not just a product—but a stepping stone in Jio’s larger digital transformation agenda.
Reliance JioPC marks a bold move by Reliance to transform India’s digital landscape. By turning everyday televisions into powerful cloud-based PCs, it brings the promise of accessible, affordable computing to the masses. While still in its early stages, the service reflects Jio’s broader ambition to lead India into a cloud-first, AI-enabled future.
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