Jio Phone Users Can Now Access Google Maps With Latest Software Update; Here’s How You Can Download

Late last month, Google invested some money into KaiOS, the operating system that runs on the best selling feature phone in India, the Jio Phone. Thanks to that investment, Google apps such as YouTube, Maps, Assistant, and others will be available on the feature phone.

Reliance’s Jio Phone is a boon for the underprivileged. The phone comes with all the necessary features such as 4G, color screen, long battery life, and access to apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.

Of course, Jio Phone users will have to wait till August 15th to be able to download all these apps from the Jio App Store, but those who purchase the new JioPhone 2, will get it out of the box. Reliance recently unveiled the Jio Phone 2, but there isn’t a lot of difference between the original Jio Phone and this one, except for the QWERTY keyboard on the former.

As we already told you about Google’s investment in KaiOS, it was obvious that the OS would get some Google touch sooner or later. And it looks like that is already happening.

According to a report, a new software update is available for the Jio Phone, with which you can download and install the Google Maps app from Jio Store on the device. Now that is just great news for all Jio Phone users. If you own a Jio Phone, then you should receive a new KaiOS update anytime now. The update isn’t available for the Jio Phone 2, but we believe that it should be once it goes on sale.

We are not exactly sure what else is part of this new software update for the Jio Phone. But for now, users can download and use Google Maps on their device to get directions, search for places, and more. Of course, the Google Maps experience on the Jio Phone will not be anything like what you’re used on a smartphone. This is a lite version of the app, which means that not all features will be available.

Jio Phone, JioPhone 2: Specifications, Features

So far, Reliance has released two feature phones under the Jio moniker. Both of these devices run on the KaiOS, which is a fast and smooth OS made just for feature phones. Now, like we said earlier, there’s not a lot of difference between the Jio Phone and the Jio Phone 2.

Both these phones come with 2.4-inch QVGA display, but the screen is in landscape orientation on the Jio Phone 2. The new device also has a QWERTY keyboard and a 4-way navigation pad. The design is completely different, but most internal components remain the same.

The phones feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 or a Spreadtrum 9820 processor, which is coupled with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. A microSD card slot is available for expansion, but expect the phone to slow down if the storage gets full. They also have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and NFC. Both phones also have the same camera setup, a 2MP camera at the back, and a 0.3MP camera at the front. The phones are backed by a 2000mAh battery that can provide a standby time of up to 15 days.

So yeah, if you are looking for a feature phone that is packed with lots of features, then the Jio Phone could be the one. And with the latest software update, things only get better.