Google and Jio have partnered to release an affordable Android-powered smartphone, JioPhone Next, for the Indian market and also announced a 5G collaboration powered by Google Cloud. The new smartphone will launch on September 10.
JioPhone Next will be designed by Jio and run an optimised version of Android. It will have a built-in translation feature, camera and will get the latest Android feature and security updates.
The move comes almost a year after Google invested $10 billion in Reliance Jio as part of the Google for India Digitisation Fund.
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A made for India smartphone
Jio, in partnership with Google, is targetting feature phone users with its latest hardware by launching an affordable phone that promises to deliver a good camera experience, an interface in local languages and the latest Android feature and security updates.Â
The phone also has several voice-first features to make it easier to use and more accessible to users who are otherwise not caught up with current smartphone tech. There are ‘app actions’ baked right into the OS that allow users to control Jio apps using the Google Assistant.Â
The camera also promises clearer pictures at night and in low light conditions and an HDR mode. Google has also partnered with Snap to bring India-specific filters directly into the phone’s camera and promises to keep updating this experience.
“Our teams have optimised a version of our Android OS, especially for this device. Our vision is to bring affordable access to information for Indians in their own language to build new products and services for India’s unique needs, and to empower businesses with technology. I’m excited that today, we can announce the next steps in this vision, starting with a new, affordable Jio smartphone, created with Google,” said Sundar Pichai, Google and Alphabet CEO at the Reliance Industries Annual General Meeting held Thursday.
Jio and Google Cloud collaborate to bring 5G tech to India
The two companies have partnered to support the 5G infrastructure in India’s consumer and enterprise sectors. Reliance will also leverage Google Cloud’s infrastructure to increase the efficiency of its retail operations.
Google’s Edge Cloud infrastructure, innovations in AI/ML, data and analytics, and other cloud-native technologies will support Jio’s 5G network in the country. This collaboration will also bring 5G edge computing solutions and 5G services in gaming, education, healthcare and video entertainment.
“Cloud solution is a key area where we are collaborating with Google. Jio will use Google Cloud’s cutting edge technologies to power Jio’s 5G solutions and for powering the internal needs of key Reliance growth businesses like Reliance Retail, JioMart, JioSaavn and JioHealth,” said Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited.
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