Reliance Jio Infocomm Launches Chat App for Android and iOS

Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecom firm of the Mukesh Ambani-led group, has launched an instant messaging application for Android and iOS platforms. Called Jio Chat, the app is already available on Google Play and the App Store.

The Jio Chat is similar to other cross-platform instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, BBM, Line, Hike and Wechat. Along with voice calling, video chat, conferencing, messaging, instant video, audio notes, stickers, doodles, and emoticons, the application also offers location-sharing and status-sharing.

The app's Google Play listing adds Jio Chat works on both Wi-Fi and mobile Internet connections. It also features Jio Chat Channels, similar to BBM Channels, which lets users keep a track of the latest updates from their favourite brands and celebrities, apart from news, entertainment, and sports. This is also where users can find special promotions.

The firm adds that Jio Chat automatically syncs contacts, and allows users to send free SMS invites to friends.

Also on the app is a offline chat option, which will store typed messages and only send them once the user or the recipient comes online. The firm adds the Jio Chat app is also 'always on and connected', adding that after initial installation and activation there's no need to sign in again.

Owned by a telecom operator, the app is joining the numerous over-the-top (OTT) services that are under contention for regulation due to pressure from fellow operators on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). The regulator recently also released a consultation paper seeking views from all stakeholders.

While several instant messaging apps offer the VoIP-based voice calling facility, WhatsApp added the feature only last month and then rolled it out to all Android users - causing much consternation amongst telecom operators due to the popularity of the service. India-based Hike recently also rolled out the voice calling feature.

Written with inputs from IANS