Reliance Jio Received 83 Million Rural 4G Subscriptions in 2017 and is Gearing Up for IPL 2018

Reliance Jio, the telecom division of the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), had received 238 million 4G subscriptions in 2017. Out of these, 83 million subscribers comprised rural population, according to a new report.

Reliance Jio acquired 160 million users by the end of December 2017, which in itself is an increase of 122 percent from the previous year.

Predictions and analysis by CyberMedia Research

Noted market research firm CyberMedia Research (CMR) has forecasted that by the year 2020, 35 percent of the Indian 4G subscribers will have a 4G-enabled feature phone, which would take the total number of 4G subscribers in the country to 432 million.

The market research firm added that out of three 4G subscribers, one is from the rural area. Faisal Kawoosa, the Head of New Initiatives at CMR stated that Jio had leveraged the early adaptors in the urban space first, and subsequently focused on rural markets for more growth.

CMR anticipates that JioPhone will play an integral role in the rise of Jio 4G services in the rural areas of India. As per CMR’s estimates, there would be 300 million Indian 4G subscribers, out of which 58 million subscribers would have a 4G feature phone, by the end of 2018. The report also stated that the other 81 percent subscribers would prefer using 4G on a smartphone, which includes the ones based on ‘Android Oreo Go’—an Android OS that is optimized for smartphones with lower configuration.

Reliance Jio’s INR 251 IPL 2018 pack offer

In line with the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, Reliance Jio has announced its ‘Cricket Season Pack.’ This pack is priced at INR 251, and cricket fans can use it to stream live matches on their mobile phones. They will receive 102GB data in all, throughout the entire IPL season, which would span over 51 days.

‘Jio Cricket Play Along’ mobile game

In order to encourage engagement among cricket lovers, Reliance Jio has launched a live mobile game named ‘Jio Cricket Play Along’, which gives participants an opportunity to win rewards worth crores. The users will have to download the MyJio mobile app to play this game. The MyJio app can be accessed by users in 11 different languages. This virtual game will have 60 matches over a span of seven weeks. Participants have a great chance to win lucrative prizes such as cash, cars, and a house in Mumbai, among various other rewards.

Reliance Jio’s cricket comedy show

Reliance Jio has made an official announcement about its cricket comedy show – ‘Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan LIVE: Never ‘Run-Out’ of Laughter.’ Both Jio and non-Jio customers will be able to watch it. Famous sports anchors such as Samir Kochhar and noted comedian Sunil Grover will host it. It will debut on Saturday, 7th April 2018 at 7.30 PM. Live episodes of the show will release every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday featuring well-known anchors and comedians.

Summary

Reliance Jio acquired 83 million rural 4G subscribers in 2017. It is looking to generate more user engagement during IPL 2018 via an INR 251 pack offer.

Reliance Jio’s Affordable Range of LYF Smart Phones

Affordable data services, free voice calls, and Wi-Fi devices; these are some of the varied offerings by Reliance Jio. The company also launched its range of 4G-enabled smart phones. These smart phones are offered to customers with a complimentary Jio SIM card. Individuals using the Jio SIM cards can enjoy free unlimited data, voice, and app services, which are part of Jio’s Welcome Offer.

Affordable smart phones

Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio has broken the price barrier by introducing superior 4G-LTE devices under the brand LYF at affordable prices. Some of the most economical devices are available at only Rs. 2,999. Moreover, the Jio network has also received a positive response in speed tests, with consistent results. One such test recorded speeds of up to 22 Mbps. These results are proven to be better than the speeds offered by other telecom operators.

Specifications of LYF handsets

Some of the most affordable devices offered by Jio include the LYF FLAME 6, FLAME 8, and WIND 3. The LYF FLAME 6 is available at a price of Rs. 3,999. It has a 4-inch display that is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass. The device has an internal storage capacity of 4 GB. Additionally, it has 2-megapixel front and rear cameras. Connectivity options offered by the device include Bluetooth 4.0, 4G, CPS, LTE, and Wi-Fi.

The LYF FLAME 8 is priced at Rs. 4,199. Those buying the device can look forward to features like an 8 GB internal storage, 1 GB RAM, a 5-megapixel front camera, and an 8-megapixel rear camera. The device functions on Android version Lollipop.

The LYF WIND 3 costs Rs. 6,999. It comes with a large 5.5-inch display, which is resistant to scratches or dust because of the Asahi Glass protection. It has 16 GB internal storage capacity and 2 GB RAM. The device has an excellent 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front camera. The operating system of the device is Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

4G-enabled feature phones

Reliance Jio also aims to reach out to customers across Tier-III cities and rural areas by introducing a range of feature phones. These devices will be compatible with 4G-VoLTE and are expected to be priced between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500. Jio plans to launch the devices around the first quarter of 2017. The handsets will not have a touchscreen, but users will be able to access the Internet through the 4G network.

Reports by International Data Corporation (IDC) revealed that the launch of Jio’s 4G services has led to an increase in the shipments of 4G-compatible smart phones. Jio has managed to garner a subscriber base of more than 50 million. By introducing its range of feature phones, it will be able to cater to a wider audience and increase its customer base. Jio SIM card users will also be able to avail of free services till 31^st March 2017 under the recent Jio Happy New Year Offer.

Summary

Reliance Jio’s reasonably priced LYF smart phones offered with free Jio SIM cards.

Jio’s Preview Offer Now Available on Vivo, HTC, and Intex

Reliance Jio is one of the emerging smart phone brands offering superior smart phone devices, 4G LTE services, and a range of other facilities. The brand has not yet launched its 4G services commercially, but through its preview launch, it has already garnered an impressive customer base. The offer which was earlier only available to smart phone brands like LYF, Samsung, and Panasonic, has now been extended to brands like HTC, Vivo, and Intex as well.

Tie-up with 19 brands

Jio now has a tie-up with around 19 4G mobile brands according to a source. Users of these brands can now experience free high-speed 4G connectivity for three months with this preview offer. The services range everything from HD voice calling, video calling, data facilities, messaging, to even Jio applications which can be easily accessed using their free Jio SIM card. Users who want to avail of the preview offer can walk into a nearby Reliance affiliated store like Digital Xpress Mini or Digital Xpress. Once they purchase any smart phone that is offered under the preview scheme, they will receive the free Jio SIM along with it.

Marketing strategy to expand user base

Earlier, Reliance Jio’s preview offer was only available to employees, acquaintances and other associates. But in order to extend its reach, the company has now opened it to others as well. Reliance Jio’s goal of giving users the access to a rich digital ecosystem through the varied range of services has gained momentum because of its innovative marketing strategies that also includes the Jio preview offer.

Morgan Stanley report

A recent report by merchant banker Morgan Stanley also revealed that Jio is expected to make enormous profits by the next financial year, thereby garnering around 40 million subscribers and drawing in revenue worth two billion dollars. It further stated that the telecom company would also experience a positive cash flow by FY19-20.

The merchant banker also added that the company’s revenue market share in the next financial year would include 19% in data and 2% in voice, which would sum up to a total share of 6%, with average revenue per user being Rs. 300. It also stated that Reliance Jio has spent a whopping 21 billion dollars towards the telecom project and that the launch is almost underway. Morgan Stanley elaborated on Jio’s spectrum bands stating that it intends to raise the total project capital expense for the telecom company to more than ten percent, if it considers a spectrum expenditure of 1.5 billion dollars in the upcoming auction.

The future seems bright for Reliance Industries, as per sources from Morgan Stanley, who predicted that RIL would commission projects worth 50 billion dollars around March 2017. The merchant banker feels that Reliance Jio has made tremendous progress with regard to its much-awaited launch of 4G in India, having already garnered a data capacity market share of 20 percent.

Summary

Reliance Jio has now made its 4G preview offer available to smart phone brands like Vivo, Intex, and HTC.

Reliance Retail Launches LYF WIND 2 Phablet at Rs. 8,299

Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Retail recently launched another device under its LYF brand called the WIND 2, at Rs. 8,299. The reasonably priced phablet is available for purchase from all Reliance outlets and other smart phone retailers across the country.

LYF WIND 2

Sporting a metallic frame and a sleek glass display, the WIND 2 smart device offers a dual SIM facility. The device approximately weighs 233 grams and is 157.5mm x 81mm x 8.5 mm in terms of dimensions. The phablet’s screen is an HD 6-inch touch screen which facilitates five simultaneous touch points.

Storage capacity

WIND 2 offers 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Users may utilize the second SIM slot for inserting a microSD card in order to boost the storage of the phablet, which is expandable up to 32GB.

Software

WIND 2 runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and is powered by a 64-bit quad-core MediaTek 6735M processor. Four of its ARM Cortex A53 cores function simultaneously at the speed of 1GHz in order to elevate user experience. Graphics are supported by the Mali T720 MP1 GPU that operates with a single core running at 600MHz.

Cameras

The front and back cameras of this phablet allow users to capture photographs at a resolution of 2MP and 8MP respectively. The rear camera has an inbuilt LED flash and allows individuals to enjoy features like the Multi-Angel View and Auto Scene Detection. The front camera offers features like Smile Detection and Facial Recognition. Additionally, the device records videos at 30 frames per second on a 720p resolution.

Battery life

The device’s battery is made of lithium-ion and is non-removable. The 2850 mAh battery allows a user to play HD videos for 6 hours or remain on standby mode for a period of 190 hours when fully charged.

Connectivity

The smart device supports Cat 4 LTE as well as VoLTE technologies. It also offers users connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, MicroUSB port, and USB OTG. USB OTG allows individuals to connect pen drives to their devices with the help of adapters. This can aid the easy transfer of data. 

LYF smart phones

Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Digital recently announced another price cut on a few of its smart phones. Prior to the launch of Jio’s 4G services, Reliance is aiming to widen its reach by making 4G smart phones equipped with LTE technology affordable for the masses.

LYF WATER 7 is now available for purchase at Rs. 9999, WIND 5 at Rs. 5999, WIND 6 at Rs. 4999, and FLAME 1 at Rs. 4199. This indicates a discount of Rs. 3000, Rs. 1000, Rs. 1000, and Rs 800 respectively.

The highlights of these devices are the free Jio services. LYF users are granted access to unlimited VoLTE voice calling, high-speed 4G data services, and Jio’s premium applications. The applications range from music streaming services, live TV streaming, to an antivirus application.

Summary

Reliance Retail’s LYF brand launches WIND 2, an affordable phablet at Rs. 8299.

“SHE WALKS, SHE LEADS” by GUNJAN JAIN

Mumbai, 21^st July, 2016: An avid reader who is also a compulsive writer, a thought leader, often sharing her discernment at public forums, Gunjan Jain along with Penguin Random House India today launched her debut book – She Walks, She Leads in Mumbai. The book is an anthology of 24 women achievers who are at the pinnacle of their profession. The anthology is likely to be the first of its kind in the global publishing industry to feature over 150+ leaders who have authorized their presence and is likely to be in Guinness for its achievements. The first copy of the book is releasing on 15^th of August 2016 and will be available at all the leading bookstores across India for Rs. 799.

Ms. Nita Ambani and Mr. Deepak Parekh supported the launch event in the city and invited their key guests for the evening. Some of the prominent faces in attendance were Mr. Shahrukh Khan, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Ms. Isha Ambani, Mr. Anant Ambani, Mr. Akash Ambani, Ms. Anupama Chopra, Ms. Chhaya Momaya, Mr. Gautam Singhania, Ms. Nandita Das, Ms. Parmeshwar Godrej, Ms. Rajashree Birla, Mr. Subhash Chandra, Ms. Zia Mody, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla & Ms. Chanda Kochhar etc. The evening kicked off with welcome remarks and opening speech by Ms. Nita Ambani and Mr. Ajay Piramal followed by book unveiling and book reading by Ms. Swati Piramal. This was trailed by a panel discussion with Mr. Ajay Piramal, Mr. Adi Godrej and Mr. Suhel Seth on ‘The Pursuit of Success: Do men and women do it differently?’

She Walks, She Leads, covers 24 women across 24 chapters, each based on extensive interviews with the protagonist and enlivened with the views and comments by her professional associates, peers, friends and family members. More than 130 leading personalities from a wide range of professions have lent their voices on these featured women providing rare insights of their life and considerably enrich their stories.

Women featured in book are Ms. Nita Ambani, Ms. Sudha Murty, Ms. Priyanka Chopra, Ms. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ms. Sania Mirza, Ms. Saina Nehwal, Ms. Indira Nooyi, Ms. Mary Kom, Ms. Parameshwar Godrej, Ms. Rajashree Birla, Ms. Yasmeen Premji, Ms. Anu Aga, Ms. Chanda Kochhar, Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Ms. Zia Mody, Ms. Swati Piramal, Ms. Shabana Azmi, Ms. Mira Nair, Ms. Anamika Khanna, Ms. Ritu Kumar, Ms. Jyotsna Darda, Ms. Shobhana Bhartia, and Ms. Indu Jain.

“I am delighted to be part of the launch of She Walks, She Leads, which is a remarkable collection of stories about Women who inspire India. I am glad to see a book that acknowledges strong women leaders and their contribution towards the society, from various walks of life like business, art, sports and media. I believe that successful women must be recognized not only because they deserve appreciation but it also encourages other women to face all odds and emerge as successful and confident personalities. Gunjan Jain has a fine ability to express the finest nuances of one’s life for inspiration for all.” Says, Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Group.

“I have always believed that women have the ability to inspire change to make the world a better place through the multiple roles they play. Gunjan has beautifully crafted different roles of 24 women achievers in her book – stories that exemplify their commitment to excellence in whatever they do and which can inspire a whole generation of women. Congratulations to every woman featured in this book.” Says, Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation. 

After immense hard work and meeting with connoisseurs from all walks of life, Gunjan Jain says, “I am thrilled to launch my first book. It’s always been my dream to be an author and inspire people, especially women since I was very close to my mother. Meeting with so many dynamic professionals and writing this book has been a prodigious experience all together. Interacting with the women achievers of India and learning about their stories has been of great privilege. I have immense gratitude for them to take out time from their busy schedules to make my debut book a success.”

Gunjan Jain interviewed more than 130 heads of leading businesses and corporate houses, statesmen and professional personalities who have given their personal views on the woman achiever concerned. Some of the icons who have contributed their thoughts in the book are Mukesh Ambani, Azim Premji, Narayana Murthy, Adi Godrej, Kumar Managalam Birla, Narayanan Vaghul, KV Kamath, Sunil Mittal, Raghav Bhal, Subhash Chandra, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Sanjiv Goenka, Nandan Nilekani, Dr Vishal Sikka, KV Kamath, Ronnie Screwvala, Ajay Piramal, Anand Mahindra, Cyril Shroff, Vijay Mallya, Yuvraj Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Sachin Tendulkar, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Akash and Isha Ambani and many others.

Summary

This book is written by a debutant author on women such as Ms. Nita Ambani, Ms. Sudha Murty, Ms. Priyanka Chopra, Ms. Chanda Kochhar, Ms. Sania Mirza, Ms. Saina Nehwal, Ms. Indira Nooyi, Ms. Mary Kom and many others who inspire India.

India’s Contingent at the Rio Olympics Backed by Reliance Jio

The Rio Olympics to be held in August 2016 will witness the largest Indian contingent till date. Reliance Industries Limited’s digital arm, Reliance Jio will be its ‘Principal Partner’ at the event.

Partnership with the Indian Olympic Association

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has been consistently working to improve the state of sports in the country, and this move is yet another step ahead towards its goal. Regarding the partnership of Reliance Jio with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), a company spokesperson said that the Jio team feels privileged to be associated with the largest Indian contingent. One of the biggest private conglomerates in India, Reliance Industries believes in empowering the youth through the medium of sports.

The Reliance Jio spokesperson explained how the company, along with the country’s 1.3 billion citizens consider all the Indian athletes heroes.

Reliance Industries’ involvement in sports

Reliance Industries, along with IMG Worldwide, through their joint venture, have worked together in association with several basketball federations in the country to boost the popularity of football in India.

Over half a million young individuals have already been introduced to sports training owing to Reliance’s efforts. Reliance Foundation, the CSR arm of RIL, is training and scouting football talent in India through its grassroots football programs. Teaming up with basketball organizations through the country, Reliance’s Junior NBA initiatives also help to encourage basketball talent.

Reliance Jio services

Jio has acquired more than 1.5 million users in their beta phase of services. The company stated that their pilot run saw users consume more than 26GB and 355 minutes each on a monthly basis.

As part of a limited preview offer, LYF smart phone users were granted free Jio services for three months. Launched in December 2015 for Reliance stakeholders and employees, it was later selectively opened to the public through invites, LYF smart phones, and other offers. The Jio applications like JioOnDemand, JioChat, MyJio and Jio Play have been tested, along with the data and call services.

Commercial launch

A company spokesperson stated that the network, applications, and all Jio facilities are being thoroughly checked before the commercial roll out of Jio’s services. Reliance’s retail units have recorded a sale of over 20 million LYF smart phones,  which will in turn help the company attract  potential Jio 4G subscribers.

The company recently offered heavy discounts on its FLAME series, this move of announcing a dip in LYF smartphone price has ensured that users can purchase LTE-enabled FLAME handsets at an affordable price.

Bandwidth purchase

Reliance Jio has invested in Wi-Fi, FTTH, and LTE technology which will help Jio offer customers across India with high broadband speeds. Not only would Jio be able to host a high number of users, but also price the services with affordability in mind. Along with voice and data services, Jio is also set to offer various content applications.

Reliance Jio also holds the most extensive pan-India spectrum, thereby enhancing its services. It also makes the world’s largest start-up the only company to utilize sub-GHz spectrum band for seamless operation of LTE services.

Summary

Reliance Jio is the Principal Partner of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics 2016.

Reliance Jio Launches LYF WATER 4 and LYF WATER 6

Reliance LYF mobile phones price ranges from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 20,000. The recent discounts on select devices allow users to avail of LTE-enabled 4G phones at an affordable price of Rs. 2,999. This concession is mainly applicable to LYF’s FLAME series.

The brand also recently launched two smart phone devices under its ELEMENTS collection, namely the LYF WATER 4 and WATER 6.

Superior software

LYF WATER 4 operates on a 1.2GHz quad-core processor called Qualcomm Snapdragon 410.  It provides the users with 16GB of internal storage capacity and i2GB RAM. It runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

WATER 6 runs on an MSM 8916 processor and a 2GB RAM. The device is equipped with Android Lollipop. The WATER 6 device provides users with a large storage capacity of 32GB.

Build quality

Both WATER 4 and WATER 6 are equipped with a 5-inch HD display to provide users with a 720p resolution. The displays are protected with Asahi Dragontrail glass known for its superior defense against scratches and dust. The devices come with a powerful battery of 2,920 mAh which can last an entire day.

WATER 4 and WATER 6 both have 13MP rear cameras which record in FHD resolution and are equipped with an LED flash. The 5MP front cameras also have an inbuilt touch-up mode.

Connectivity options

LYF smart phones have been devised to offer customers with a quality 4G experience. Therefore, LYF devices like the WATER 4 support the 850, 1800, and 2300 4G MHz bands. Other specifications include Bluetooth 4.1, LTE technology, GPS, Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm output jack.

In addition to the above features, WATER 6 also supports an E-Compass, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, and Proximity Sensor.

Sleek design

LYF WATER 4 has a textured panel at the back and a metal frame. It is currently only available in the color white. WATER 6 is available in a unibody design and retails at Rs. 8,990.

Jio commercial launch

Presently, Jio services are available on a preview basis and its commercial launch is awaited. Users may avail of Jio SIM cards on the purchase of LYF smart phones. Following this, they will have to register on jio.com which provides them with a code. The code is non-transferrable and comes with an expiry date. Post registration, users may enjoy Jio services for free up to 90 days.

Jio services

LYF smart phones come with a free Jio SIM card. This SIM card grants customers access to three months of Jio services for free of cost. Additionally, LYF devices also offer a two-year warranty period as opposed to the one-year period offered by most smart phone brands.

Jio aims at creating an entire digital ecosystem, offering broadband services, applications, smart devices, and mobile telephony facilities. Its offerings range from a wide library of recorded and live music programs, television shows, sports programs to movies. Jio Money and Jio Play are among the most popular Jio applications.

LYF smart phone users can register themselves and avail of the various add-on services as well as content applications offered by Jio. Some of these include Jio Beat, Jio On-Demand, Jio Drive, and Jio Money.

Summary

Reliance Jio launches LYF WATER 4 and LYF WATER 6 with superior features under its Elements collection.

Reliance Foundation Emerges as a Ray of Hope to the Visually-Challenged

Nita Ambani led Reliance Foundation (RF) keeps getting closer to its goal of reaching out to people with every passing day. This time the organization went another step ahead by being of assistance to Bhavesh Bhatia. Mr. Bhatia, although visually-impaired, is exemplary for the free spirit and hard work that he displays.

Helping Bhavesh become independent

Bhavesh has not let his disability come in the way of his ambitions. Sunrise Candles is testimony to the same. The entrepreneurial venture undertaken by him is a major success in the making. When quizzed about the secret to his progress, Bhavesh attributes it to Reliance Foundation. Ever since his encounter with Smt. Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the foundation, Mr. Bhatia’s life took a positive turn.

Role played by Reliance Foundation in his success

Bhavesh Bhatia believes that the foundation played an integral role in the rise of Sunrise Candles. In his words, Nita Ambani and RF lit the lives of the many employees who work at Sunrise. He further added that the assistance he received from them, not only opened his business to the world, but also helped sustain the livelihood of 250 families of visually-impaired persons. Sunrise Candles is now a growing candle-making enterprise based in Mahabaleshwar that provides employment to 230 visually-impaired individuals.

Reliance Foundation-led Drishti

Reliance Foundation’s work towards helping the visually-challenged is further fueled by its initiative Drishti. This program helps donors reach out to beneficiaries and also manages the domains of organ as well as monetary donations. While there are people who are willing to take the leap and provide the gift of eyesight to those in need, the false ceiling of superstition still prevails largely in our society which prevents them from going ahead. Drishti aims at eliminating these obstacles through awareness camps for potential donors.

Reaching out to Pratiksha

One such success story from RF’s Drishti is that of Pratiksha. The young girl who was blind from birth received help just in time from the foundation. Today she leads a normal life and is working hard towards fulfilling her ambition of becoming a doctor. Pratiksha believes in helping others just the way Reliance Foundation helped her. Her life took a miraculous turn when she received two corneal transplants which helped her see the world like never before.

Lending a helping hand

While RF’s Drishti operates the cornea program, it also simultaneously lends help to beneficiaries by giving them a confidante with whom they may share their experiences. Sanjay, an employee at Reliance Industries is one such individual, who has not only pledged to donate his eyes but also volunteered to act as a mentor to little Pratiksha.

Nita Ambani has set an example for many by pledging to donate her eyes. So far, her foundation has successfully conducted over 14,000 free corneal transplants under the Drishti program.

Summary

Reliance Foundation aids visually-impaired Bhavesh Bhatia in his candle-making business. The foundation’s Drishti program helps restore vision to the visually- challenged with free corneal transplants.

Reliance Retail Launches LYF Wind 1 at Rs. 6,899

After the launch of the Wind 4, Wind 5 and Wind 6, Reliance Retail has introduced yet another model to their collection of premium quality and cost-efficient smart phones. The 4G-enabled Wind 1 was launched recently at a price of Rs. 6,899. It has the VoLTE feature just like the rest of the other LYF models such as EARTH 1, LYF WATER 1, LYF FLAME 1, LYF WATER 2, LYF WATER 5,  LYF FLAME 2, LYF FLAME 3, LYF FLAME 4, LYF WIND 4, LYF WIND 6 and Wind 5.

Build to last – LYF Wind 1

The phone is a hit where design and build quality are concerned. Wind 1 is built to last with a polycarbonate exterior and a screen protected by new-age Dragontail glass. The phone is also given a textured backside to provide users a steady grip over the handset. The 5-inch IPS display also provides high definition resolution (1280 X 720) and thereby a visually appealing experience for users.

Functionality and software

The Wind 1 also emerges in the software department with great functionality to wow users. The phone runs on the operating system Android 5.1 Lollipop. It performs at a lightning speed with a quad core processor of Snapdragon 410. The processing system runs at 1.2GHz and also contains Adreno 306 GPU. Storage capacity of the phone is 16GB ROM (expandable up to 64GB) and 1GB RAM designed to meet the demand for phones with good internal and expandable memory.

Other features of the Wind 1

The dual-SIM phone’s power button and volume rocker are strategically placed on the right edge and left edge respectively to provide ease-of-access to users. It has a 2300mAh battery that suffices for 460 hours on stand-by and additionally facilitates 6 hours of talk time. Those looking for a phone with great camera and picture quality will be pleased with the handset’s 8MP rear and 5MP front shooter which also comprises a variety of modes to capture the best photos. The camera is also capable of recording videos at 1080p resolution.

Connectivity options

The Wind 1 is available in the colors white and black. The device ensures convenience with its light-weight properties weighing only 125 grams. Connectivity options that the phone provides include Bluetooth 4.0, VoWiFi, MicroUSB 2.0 port, GPS and Wi-Fi.

Preview invites

Reliance Jio has also commenced the process of sending out invites to registered customers on the company’s website, Jio.com for its 4G data services. This preview invite is a user’s pass to a range of unlimited Jio services like 75GB of data and 4,500 minutes of voice for three months. Those purchasing a LYF handset will be offered a free SIM with these facilities. Subscribers who receive this customized invite through e-mail may note that the same is valid for two weeks only. The mail assures customers a rich and advanced digital experience through Jio’s superior all-IP 4G network.

Customers could also avail of the Jio Preview Offer at various Reliance Digital Stores. Various LYF phones are also up for sale in the Flame, Wind and Earth series with the most budget-friendly device priced at only Rs. 4000.

Summary

Reliance Retail launches new LYF model Wind 1 at Rs. 6,899. Jio Infocomm also prepares for commercial launch of 4G services by sending preview invites to registered customers on Jio.com.

LYF Flame 6 Makes a Promising Entry into the Market

Reliance Jio has launched its newest LYF handset, called the Flame 6. This phone is the most recent addition to the brand’s line of Flame series phones. The handset comes at a price of Rs. 3,999 and the phone carries premium features despite its highly affordable price.

Flame 6 specifications

The Flame 6 flaunts a sleek exterior with a 4-inch display and a pixel resolution of 480 X 800. It also has a pixel density of 225ppi and a WVGA screen. The outer body is protected by Asahi Dragontail Glass which makes it resistant to scratch marks.

The phone’s driving force is its efficient software. It comes with 512GB RAM and a 1.5 GHz processor that ensures the optimal functionality of this handset. The Flame’s operating system is Android 5.1 Lollipop. It is powered by a 1750mAh battery. Users will be impressed with the handset’s 2MP rear camera and 2MP front shooter that captures quality photos.

Other features

The phone also scores in terms of storage capacity. It comes packed with a storage capacity of 4GB which may be expanded up to 32GB.

The USP of the Flame 6 is that it is 4G-enabled and contains the dual-SIM feature. This facilitates the usage of 4G SIMS that can be used in both the slots.

Preparations for final launch

The company’s telecom arm Jio Infocomm will also launch its network services soon. Many analysts have predicted that Jio will have a full roll out of services in the month of December. As of now, the company has held a soft launch for its associates and employees. Thereafter, it also conducted an ‘invite-only’ program which opened the services to exclusive members. Very recently, the company also activated its website Jio.com to accept registrations for customers to avail of Jio’s services.

Economic Times reported this Friday that Reliance commenced the sale of its LYF handsets that are enabled with 4G LTE across select cities. Customers no longer need to be invited or be a Reliance employee to avail of these services now.

Availability of LYF phones

The services offered by Jio include free voice calls for 4,500 minutes as well as unlimited Jio 4G services for a span of three months. The company’s LYF handsets are available for purchase at various outlets like Reliance Digital Mini Stores, Reliance Digital Stores, Sangeeta Mobiles, Spice Hotspot and Universal. They are also up for sale on online shopping portals as well.

Tie-ups with retail chains

The company is looking at a tie-up with retail outlets like Croma Retail and the Mobile Store for sale of their smart phones going by another report by the Economic Times. Until now, Reliance has successfully launched 10 LYF models with attractive pricing strategies. Almost all of these handsets are available in the price range of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000.

Overall, the company is going through a highly successful phase with LYF emerging as the fifth-largest smart phone brand in the country according to Counterpoint Research. It is also a leading LTE provider in the country.  The brand has even cornered a 7% market share within the first quarter of FY16 itself.

Summary

Reliance Jio launches new LYF handset called the Flame 6.