Google, Jio showcase jointly developed smartphone 'JioPhone Next', announce availability in India Sept onwards

Based on an optimized OS that is leveraged from Android and Play Store with features that are built specially for JioPhone Next, the two technology organizations have worked closely to create a smartphone experience aimed at addressing the unique needs of millions of smartphone users across India, the company said in a statement.

"In these times when access to the internet has become a fundamental need, hundreds of millions of Indians are yet to experience the power of being connected, to utilize services and access information that can have a positive and immediate impact on their daily lives," the statement added.

Google’s Android teams across the globe have been hard at work to find solutions to address the digital needs of these Indians.

Speaking about the joint effort, Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google and Alphabet said, “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. Our teams have optimized a version of our Android OS especially for this device. It will offer language and translation features, a great camera, and support for the latest Android updates. It is built for India and it will open up new possibilities for millions of new users who will experience the internet for the very first time," he said.

Announcing the phone, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited said, "JIO has truly democratized digital connectivity in India… by offering the highest quality, most affordable 4G broadband services in the world. Google and Jio teams have jointly developed a truly breakthrough smartphone that we are calling JioPhone Next."

JioPhone Next is powered by an extremely optimized version of the Android operating system.

While being affordable, JioPhone Next is packed with features like the Google Assistant, automatic read-aloud of screen text, language translation, smart camera with augmented reality filters and much more.

JioPhone Next will be available in the market from September 10.