For years, the idea of India developing its own television operating system seemed improbable. The dominant narrative suggested that India lacked the R&D ecosystem and high-tech capabilities to create a homegrown OS. But Thomson, in partnership with Jio, set out to change that perception.
Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of SPPL (Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd), which manufactures Thomson TVs in India, recently shed light on this ambitious journey in an exclusive conversation.
Challenging the Status Quo: Why Jio TeleOS?
“A couple of years ago, the industry consensus was that India couldn’t develop its own OS. The belief was that we lacked the ecosystem, R&D capabilities, and interest from global giants to build something truly indigenous. That was our challenge,” Marwah explains.
The collaboration with Jio started nearly three years ago, with a shared vision of building an OS that could compete with major players. According to Marwah, a significant hurdle was that big tech companies were hesitant to work within an Indian ecosystem due to the lack of scale. However, Jio’s extensive network and growing influence changed the game.
“The turning point came when Netflix agreed to be part of this ecosystem—something they usually don’t do with emerging operating systems. That endorsement encouraged more app developers to come on board, and today, 99.99% of India’s most popular apps are certified and available on Jio TeleOS. This OS is built from the ground up to serve the Indian consumer better than any foreign alternatives.”
Can Jio TeleOS Compete with Android TVs?
With Android TVs dominating the smart TV market, questions about app ecosystem and compatibility are inevitable. But Marwah is confident in Jio TeleOS’s capabilities.
“Every essential app is available. Our goal isn’t just to compete with Google but to create an OS that caters specifically to Indian consumers. Jio TeleOS supports eight languages at launch – more than any other OS – and will expand to 16 languages in the coming year. This localization is crucial in a country with such diverse linguistic needs.”
When asked, Avneet confirmed that Jio TeleOS supports sideloading of Android apps, ensuring flexibility for tech-savvy users.
How Is Jio TeleOS Different from Jio Set-Top Box OS?
While Jio already has an OS running on its set-top boxes, the version on Thomson TVs is more refined.
“It offers access to over 400 live TV channels and supports multiple regional languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Gujarati. Users will also get three months of free JioCinema Premium, a major advantage given that Jio now holds exclusive rights to 90-95% of India’s cricket telecasts,” Marwah shares.
Long-Term Software Support & After-Sales Service
One of the biggest concerns with non-mainstream operating systems is long-term software support. Marwah assures users that Jio TeleOS is here to stay.
“This isn’t a short-term experiment. Jio’s commitment ensures long-term updates, security patches, and ecosystem growth. Unlike many new ventures, Jio is a public company, meaning there’s a responsibility to maintain and improve the OS consistently. Consumers can expect software support on par with any mature OS.”
For after-sales service, the network remains unchanged from Thomson’s existing support structure, ensuring seamless service, even in tier-two and tier-three cities.
Where Can You Buy Thomson’s Jio TeleOS TVs?
At launch, Thomson’s Jio TeleOS-powered TVs will be available exclusively on Flipkart. While there are no immediate plans for offline retail, Marwah hints at potential future expansions.
Thomson’s Jio TeleOS TVs will be available for Rs. 18,990. It offers a 4K QLED display and support for HDR formats. The inclusion of Dolby Audio ensures immersive sound, while Jio TeleOS provides a streamlined smart TV interface with access to popular streaming apps and voice controls.
What’s Next for Thomson in 2025?
Looking ahead, Thomson is gearing up for an aggressive expansion across all TV segments.
“2025 will be a landmark year for us. We are planning a launch every month until August, covering ultra-premium, premium, affordable, and super-affordable segments. Unlike 2024, where we had to skip certain launches due to market conditions, we are now ready to compete in every category.”
While predicting market trends is tricky, Marwah remains optimistic. “TV consumption patterns have been shifting, with more people watching content on mobile devices due to concerns over explicit content on OTT platforms. However, with regulations tightening, we may see a resurgence of traditional TV viewing.”
Avneet also highlighted how new tax relaxations will increase consumers’ disposable income, which is likely to boost spending on consumer durables, further adding to positive market sentiment.
With Jio TeleOS, Thomson and SPPL have taken a bold step towards evolving India’s smart TV landscape. By offering a highly localized, content-rich experience with long-term support, they aim to create an ecosystem that can stand toe-to-toe with global giants. As years unfold, it will be fascinating to see how Indian consumers respond to this homegrown innovation.
Follow Us
Deepak Singh
Deepak is Editor at Digit. He is passionate about technology and has been keeping an eye on emerging technology trends for nearly a decade. When he is not working, he likes to read and to spend quality time with his family. View Full Profile
