Jio Platforms launches JioPC, a virtual desktop service that turns your TV into a PC

Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries, has launched a new virtual desktop service called JioPC that allows users to convert their television screens into cloud-powered personal computers. Currently in a limited free trial, the service is being rolled out to select customers via a waitlist.

The AI-enabled offering works through Jio’s set-top box and comes bundled with the company’s broadband plans or can be purchased separately for Rs 5,499 (about $64). Users can access a cloud-based PC interface by plugging in a keyboard and mouse, but the device does not yet support peripherals such as webcams or printers.

According to the company's website, the cloud system includes open-source software like LibreOffice for productivity tasks. Microsoft Office applications can be used through a web browser, but are not pre-installed.

“It is ideal for browsing, running productivity apps, educational tools, attending online classes, and more,” the company said. “It is affordable, requires no upfront cost, and eliminates maintenance or upgrade worries since everything is managed in the cloud.”

However, the service is internet-dependent and cannot function offline.

The announcement marks a key milestone in Reliance’s ambitions to increase digital adoption among under-penetrated markets. While over 70% of Indian households have a television, only 15% own a computer, according to market research firm Counterpoint. By offering a no-maintenance virtual PC through widely used TV sets, Jio could potentially bypass traditional cost barriers associated with personal computing.

The move comes four months after Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, indicated that the company was building a cloud-based PC capable of supporting compute-heavy AI applications. At the time, he described the platform as device-agnostic.

“The idea of using the television set as a computer via the set-top box is innovative,” said Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint. “But JioPC will require strong consumer education to scale adoption. People need to be convinced that a virtual desktop accessed on a TV can replace a traditional PC.”

India’s PC market, while growing, remains relatively nascent. IDC reports show an 8% year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2025, with shipments reaching 3.3 million units. But with widespread smartphone usage and limited disposable income, PC penetration remains far below countries like the United States and China.

The timing of the JioPC launch also intersects with reports of ongoing talks between Reliance Industries and OpenAI. Last month, several media outlets reported that the AI research firm was seeking to raise $40 billion and that Reliance was among those in discussions to invest at least several hundred million dollars. OpenAI is also reportedly exploring potential commercial partnerships with Reliance to distribute its offerings, such as ChatGPT, across India via Jio.

If those partnerships come to fruition, JioPC could serve as a distribution layer for advanced AI services in Indian homes, schools, and small businesses.

Prabhu Ram, vice president at CyberMedia Research, said the success of JioPC will depend on its ability to address digital literacy, connectivity challenges, and scalability. “While its potential reach is broad, its success will depend on execution—especially in addressing connectivity gaps and digital literacy—and on its ability to scale beyond early adopters,” he said.