Reliance Jiophone Now Supports Google Maps: Here’s How It Works

Google Maps are now available for the KaiOS, which is the operating system that Jiophones use.

Google Maps now runs on JioPhone. 

(Photo: The Quint)

KaiOS powered JioPhone, which has now become the No. 2 operating system after Android with 15 percent market share has recently rolled out an update with Google Maps support.

Back in June, Google had invested about $22 million in KaiOS in an attempt to feature some Google apps and services like Google Assistant and YouTube to be widely available on feature phones powered by the KaiOS. This aimed to bridge the digital divide for Indians who couldn’t afford smartphones due to excessive pricing and digital illiteracy.

Install Maps from the Jio Store. (Photo: The Quint)

The version of Google Maps which is compatible with KaiOS, for the JioPhones, can be downloaded from the JioStore app. To download the app, however, the software should be updated to the latest version and for that you will first have to update the software to the latest version . This can be done by going to Settings> Device > Software Update.

These are the options you can look for on the Google Maps. (Photo: The Quint)

Having done this, the JioStore app will display a list of apps available for download including Google Maps. Click on Google Maps and install the app.

After installing the app, click on open and the shortcut should appear on the screen. The app, however, only provides basic functionality because it is designed for a feature phone.

Look for directions also. (Photo: The Quint)

Users can, nevertheless, search for places, find their location and get the map view among other options such as looking for a route from the source location to the desired destination and looking for public transport options.

The JioPhone is Reliance’s most successful venture so far, with currently more than 25 million users in India.