Reliance Industries is venturing into the smart TV market with the development of India’s first homegrown smart TV operating system, Jio TV OS. This strategic move signifies a notable step towards self-reliance in India’s tech sector.

According to a report by the Economic Times, Jio TV OS, built on Google’s Android platform, aims to compete with established players such as Samsung’s Tizen OS and LG’s webOS. Reliance is targeting domestic TV manufacturers, particularly smaller brands, to drive the adoption of this new smart TV platform.

A company executive revealed that Jio TV OS will be an open-source platform, allowing developers to create optimized apps for smart TVs and other connected devices. This approach is expected to foster a vibrant app ecosystem for the platform.

Moreover, Jio TV OS will not have licensing fees, making it an attractive option for smaller manufacturers. This strategy could significantly increase competition in the Indian smart TV market. “No licensing fees for the Jio TV OS will help make it popular,” the executive told ET.

The report suggests that large multinational corporations like Samsung and LG are unlikely to adopt Jio TV OS since they already have their own smart TV operating systems. Consequently, Reliance plans to enter agreements with homegrown and smaller brands to boost adoption.

Reliance is also reportedly planning to leverage Jio TV OS to promote its services, such as JioCinema, which could help generate ad revenue. There are plans to potentially bundle the platform with Jio broadband subscriptions, enhancing its market reach.

In addition to developing the Jio TV OS platform, Reliance may also manufacture Jio-branded smart TVs running the OS. The company plans to partner with other Indian TV makers to achieve a wider market reach. These TVs are expected to target the entry-level segment.

This initiative comes amidst a decline in overall smart TV shipments in India. However, the market for larger screen sizes (55 inches and above) is experiencing growth, which Reliance aims to capitalize on with its new offerings.

With Jio TV OS, Reliance is set to make a significant impact on the Indian smart TV market, promoting self-reliance and fostering increased competition among domestic TV manufacturers.