Reliance’s JioPhone to have custom version of WhatsApp to attract more customers

WhatsApp has become one of the easiest and convenient ways of staying connected with others, isn’t it?  The messenger app is the perfect tool for communication and is used widely all over the world. It was only last month when Reliance Jio launched their much-awaited JioPhone in the market. Considering the usage of WhatsApp, it was understandable that JioPhone too needs the messenger app to create a name in the market which is dominated by smartphones. The truth is, WhatsApp has been successful in replacing texts for so many people in India.

According to a report in Factor Daily, Reliance Jio has started a discussion with the owner of WhatsApp, Facebook, to bring a custom version of the app on its JioPhone. As a matter of fact, the popular messenger app is available on leading smartphone platforms like Android, iOS and Windows Phone. Reliance Jio’s JioPhone runs on KaiOS, an operating system based on Firefox OS. KaiOS doesn’t support WhatsApp and hence the app won’t be able to run on the phone.

JioPhone will be offering quite a few apps like JioCHat messenger app but unavailability of WhatsApp may repel many of the customers. Reliance had to play a gamble and introduce this feature in its phone. With this move, Reliance Jio has full plans to give its rivals a run for their money.

Nokia 3310 was launched in the country on May 18 this year and it was a walk down the lane for many fans of the iconic Nokia brand. With features like long battery life, that too for 22 hours of talk time with a single time charge, dual sim and connectivity like Bluetooth and FM, the nostalgic feature phone had all the tools to be a massive hit in its category. The phone even brought back its iconic snake game. But unavailability of WhatsApp and other features have left a lot to be desired by the customer.

At a time when we are talking about digital India, availability of WhatsApp on the JioPhone will ensure that a modern communication tools are accessible to a large section of the rural population.