Reliance is taking its Google partnership to TVs, and why it may be bad news for operating systems from Samsung, LG and others

Reliance Industries has reportedly started testing India's first homegrown smart TV operating system, Jio TV OS. This development marks a significant step towards self-reliance in the Indian tech landscape.

According to a report by the Economic Times, Jio TV OS which is built on Google's Android platform, will compete with established players like Samsung's Tizen OS and LG's webOS. With this smart TV platform, Reliance is planning to target domestic TV manufacturers, particularly smaller brands, to increase adoption.

How Reliance is planning to market the JioTV OS

As per the report, one of the company’s executives said that Jio TV OS will be an open-source platform that will allow developers to create optimised apps for smart TVs and other connected devices. This could foster a vibrant app ecosystem for the platform.

The report also claims that Jio TV OS won't have licensing fees. This can make it attractive for smaller manufacturers to adopt the platform. This strategy could potentially increase competition in the Indian smart TV market.

Another executive said to ET that no licensing fees for the Jio TV OS will help it to make it popular.

“Large MNCs like Samsung and LG are unlikely to roll out TVs on this OS since they have their own smart TV OS. So, Reliance wants to enter into agreement with some of the home grown and smaller brands to increase adoption,” he said.

Reliance is also reportedly planning to use Jio TV OS to promote its services like JioCinema which will help the company to generate ad revenue and potentially bundle it with Jio broadband subscriptions.

Apart from developing the JioTV OS platform, Reliance may also be planning to manufacture Jio-branded smart TVs running the OS and partner with other Indian TV makers for wider market reach. These TVs are expected to target the entry-level segment.

This move comes amidst a decline in overall smart TV shipments in India. However, larger screen sizes (55 inches and above) are experiencing growth, which Reliance aims to capitalise on.