Reliance Industries has reportedly started testing India’s first home-grown smart TV operating system, Jio TV OS, as per The Economic Times. The Jio TV OS, built on Google’s Android platform, will compete with Samsung’s Tizen OS, LG’s webOS, Skyworth’s Coolita OS, and Hisense’s Vidaa OS.
Reliance is collaborating with local TV manufacturers to beta test the Jio TV OS, gather feedback, fix bugs, and plans to launch 4K and FHD smart TVs, targeting the entry-level market under the BPL and Reconnect brands, while licensing the OS to other Indian manufacturers.
Jio TV OS for Smart TVs
An industry executive noted that the Jio TV OS will allow Jio to bundle its apps, like JioCinema, generate advertising revenue, and package Jio broadband services. Last October, Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, announced the development of this smart TV OS, aligning with the ongoing testing.
The report highlighted that Reliance is not charging licensing fees for the Jio TV OS to make it more appealing, as major brands such as Samsung and LG, with their own OS, are unlikely to adopt it. Another executive noted that the Jio TV OS being open source supports app development for smart TVs and other devices.
With the overall market expected to decline by 10% in 2024 due to reduced demand for smaller TVs, Reliance plans to boost Jio TV OS adoption by partnering with smaller Indian brands, despite competition from global leaders.