The proposed laptop essentially functions as a “dumb terminal,” with the majority of its processing and storage tasks being handled remotely on the Jio Cloud.
Reliance Jio, a prominent Indian telecommunications company, is on the brink of transforming the laptop industry with the introduction of its new cloud laptop. Priced at approximately Rs 15,000, this laptop represents a major expansion into hardware.
The standout feature of this laptop is the Jio Cloud technology, which relocates the laptop’s processing and storage to the cloud. This innovation enables the laptop to offer high performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional hardware, making advanced technology more accessible to a broader range of users.
Currently being tested on an HP Chromebook, the Jio Cloud laptop is notable for its adaptability. The cloud PC software it utilizes is not limited to just the laptop; it can also be operated on existing devices like desktops and smart TVs, offering users a versatile experience without necessitating the purchase of new hardware.
Additionally, Jio plans to roll out a monthly cloud subscription service, similar to Apple’s iCloud or Google One. The pricing of this subscription, which will integrate various Jio services, will be decided later and is expected to offer enhanced features in its higher-tier plans.
This cloud laptop is part of Jio’s broader mission to democratize digital technology. Earlier in July, Jio released the JioBook (2023) for Rs. 16,499, featuring an octa-core MediaTek MT8788 processor and JioOS based on Android. Jio has also ventured into digital entertainment and Wi-Fi services with its AirFiber service, launched in September, which provides access to over 550 digital TV channels and more than 16 OTT app subscriptions. AirFiber’s services have now extended to 262 towns across India.