It was at its 41st Annual General Meeting that Reliance Industries announced that its JioPhone and JioPhone 2 will soon be getting support for apps like WhatsApp and YouTube. And obviously, the announcement did create a lot of stir. Though it was initially planned that JioPhone will be getting support for WhatsApp starting August 15, it has finally started rolling out today via JioStore. The app will be available to all JioPhone users by September 20.
JioPhone and JioPhone 2 users can now download WhatsApp for KaiOS by visiting the JioStore on the smartphone. Much like its Android and iOS versions, WhatsApp for KaiOS also has end-to-end encryption.
Using WhatsApp for KaiOS, users can hold one-to one conversations, make groups, and even record and send voice messages. However, unlike the Android and iOS versions, users cannot make payments via WhatsApp for KaiOS. The ability to make voice and video calls is also currently not present.
Here’s what you need to do if you have a JioPhone and wish to download WhatsApp for KaiOS on your device:
- Go to JioStore from the menu and look for WhatsAppin the list.
- Press install. Note that the app will only get installed on your device if your phone runs on the latest software update.
- Verify your mobile number on the app to get started.
WhatsApp collectively has over 200 million users in India. With JioPhone users coming onboard, this number is bound to reach new heights.
Speaking about the popular messaging app making its foray in feature phone market, Chris Daniels, Vice President, WhatsApp said, “Millions of people across India can now use WhatsApp private messaging on the best-in-class JioPhone across India. By designing this new app for KaiOS, we hope to expand the ability for people to communicate with anyone in India and around the world by offering the best messaging experience possible to Jio Phone users.”
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
