JioPhone wants a tailored version of WhatsApp
According to reports, JioPhone, i.e. the 4G enabled feature phone launched by the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio, will run a customized version of WhatsApp, the world's largest instant messaging service. India's fastest growing telecom network had initiated dialogue with the authorities of the messaging platform and although the discussions are still in its preliminary stage, a favorable outcome is expected. Here's more about it.
Why do they need it?
A source informed FactorDaily that Reliance Jio already shares a good rapport with Facebook, the company that owns WhatsApp. The main reason behind these negotiations is that there are some technical challenges in hosting the app as it is. Therefore, the firm is looking to have a tailored version of WhatsApp that would adhere to its needs.
This alliance will be significant on two counts
WhatsApp, which is already under pressure from the news that payments platform Paytm is launching a messaging service, would get to tap into Reliance JioPhone's customer base, which would solidify its position in the Indian market even more. Despite having JioChat, a messaging service that comes bundled along with a host of Jio apps, WhatsApp would be invaluable to JioPhone, as it's more popular.
Will it work?
There are high chances that WhatsApp and Reliance Jio would partner up. In February, Facebook's chief financial officer David Wehner had attributed the rise of Facebook usage in India and Asia Pacific to Reliance Jio's free data plans. Now, that it is pushing WhatsApp for monetization, it would like to make sure that there is a demand, rather than starting from the ground up.
What can we expect?
It is, however, not clear what will be in this customized version of WhatsApp. Co-founder of NowFloats, Jasminder Gulati said to FactorDaily that this partnership would only make sense if the messaging service launches vernacular capabilities and offers Jio's users built-in commerce and payments services. WhatsApp already has a very sophisticated code, which makes it usable on a wide range of phones.
