Reliance Jio is allegedly working with tech giant Google to develop an affordable smartphone that will work exclusively with Reliance-owned 4G network in India. One has to however, wait till end of this year to see the actual launch of the smartphone in making.
Notably, this is Google’s second attempt at launching affordable smartphones in India. To recall, in 2014 Google introduced Android One project which eventually got completely failed. However, this time Google worked closely with Indian smartphone brands such as Micromax, Karbonn, and Spice. According to a report, industry sources said that apart from smarphone Google, Reliance Jio is also working together on developing software for Reliance Jio’s smart TV services, which will be launched later this year.
Reliance Jio has just hit a milestone of 100 million subscribers and Google branding will help Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio’s boost its plans to sell cheaper 4G smartphones, and reach a larger market.
According to another report, Google is working with Jio so as to reattempt Android One in India, albeit with just one player. "Android One had too many OEM partners, with each phone from every brand looking exactly the same, leaving no distinction for the vendor. Moreover, at the same time, Chinese players like Xiaomi launched their phones at a similar price with a lot more features, essentially killing the idea of Android One completely,” said Jayanth Kolla, founder and partner at Convergence Catalyst, to DNA India.
While RJio and Google declined to comment on the development, industry sources said that the two have been indeed working together for both smartphone & Smart TV software.
[Top Image - Shutterstock]
Notably, this is Google’s second attempt at launching affordable smartphones in India. To recall, in 2014 Google introduced Android One project which eventually got completely failed. However, this time Google worked closely with Indian smartphone brands such as Micromax, Karbonn, and Spice. According to a report, industry sources said that apart from smarphone Google, Reliance Jio is also working together on developing software for Reliance Jio’s smart TV services, which will be launched later this year.
Reliance Jio has just hit a milestone of 100 million subscribers and Google branding will help Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio’s boost its plans to sell cheaper 4G smartphones, and reach a larger market.
According to another report, Google is working with Jio so as to reattempt Android One in India, albeit with just one player. "Android One had too many OEM partners, with each phone from every brand looking exactly the same, leaving no distinction for the vendor. Moreover, at the same time, Chinese players like Xiaomi launched their phones at a similar price with a lot more features, essentially killing the idea of Android One completely,” said Jayanth Kolla, founder and partner at Convergence Catalyst, to DNA India.
While RJio and Google declined to comment on the development, industry sources said that the two have been indeed working together for both smartphone & Smart TV software.
[Top Image - Shutterstock]
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