Reliance Jio is poised to reshape the landscape of the Indian PC market by introducing a cloud laptop. In talks with prominent manufacturers such as HP, Acer, and Lenovo, the telecom giant, owned by Mukesh Ambani, is gearing up for a significant disruption.
The upcoming cloud laptop, estimated to be priced around INR 15,000, will operate as a “dumb terminal,” according to reports by ET. This unique approach entails handling all storage and processing tasks through the Jio cloud, resulting in a substantial reduction in ownership costs compared to the current INR 50,000. Users can expect swift access to services at high speeds.
Sources suggest that Jio is currently conducting trials with HP Chromebook for the proposed cloud PC. The company plans to offer a monthly subscription for the cloud PC, with final pricing details yet to be determined. For those who prefer not to invest in a new device, the cloud PC software can be installed on existing desktops or even smart TVs, providing access to computing features.
An official stated, “The cost of a laptop depends on its hardware like memory, processing power, chipset, etc. What we are doing is, we are stripping all this, and the whole processing of the laptop will happen at the back end in the Jio cloud.”
This marks Jio’s second foray into the laptop market after the earlier introduction of JioBook, a 4G-powered laptop priced at INR 16,499. While JioBook operated on the JioOS system, the upcoming cloud PC is anticipated to run on various operating systems, including Windows.
Recognizing the potential in the digital services market, particularly in the context of hybrid workplaces, Jio aims to establish a significant presence. The company is committed to providing secure digital services, aligning with the growing trend of hybrid work environments where data security is paramount.
Jio’s strategy involves first providing ubiquitous connectivity before venturing into digital services, with a focus on generating incremental revenue. Known for targeting budget-conscious consumers, Jio has come a long way from its initial telecom network launch, offering free internet and affordable mobile phones.
In the first quarter of the financial year 2023-24, Reliance Jio reported a 12.5% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching INR 5,098 Cr. The move into cloud laptops comes amid a thriving PC market in India, with shipments reaching a record 4.5 million units in the July-September quarter of 2023, reflecting a notable 14% YoY increase according to data from the International Data Corp (IDC).
