Xiaomi’s new 2020 ecosystem products has something for those cooped up indoors, and those craving to venture out 

• Mi TV Stick packs an Android TV box into something of a Chromecast device
• Mi Smart Band 5 fitness tracker features more than 65 theme options, larger display

2020 has started strongly for Xiaomi. The Beijing-headquartered tech company recorded solid growth across all its business segments in Q1 2020 – its total revenue in the quarter amounted to RMB49.7 billion (US$7 billion), representing a 13.6% YoY increase.

In June 2020, management consultants the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) ranked the company at 24^th place among the 50 most innovative 2020 companies in the world.

While it remains to be seen if Xiaomi held out well during the quarters preceding the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not resting on its laurels when it comes to announcing new products.

Xiaomi just announced new inclusions to its IoT-connected smart hardware range, and has something for both those who are forced to stay indoors and those gearing up to venture outdoors. New fitness trackers and additions to their electric scooters (pic, above)! And, more interestingly, an evolution to their Android TV boxes.

For the indoors

The Mi TV Stick (pic, left) is what happens when you take an Android TV box (such as Xiaomi’s own Mi Box range) and squeeze it down into a Chromecast-sized device. Like the Mi Box, the Mi TV Stick is powered by Android TVTM, offering access to thousands of content titles as well as apps and games via Google Play, but it’s now merely something you stick into the HDMI slot of your TV.

It provides 1080p resolution content and Dolby and DTS support. Users gain instant access to Google Assitant, Netflix and Prime audio using the dedicated buttons on the remote control. It can also double as a device to cast content from the smartphone and tablet, as it has built-in Chromecast functionality.

The Mi TV Stick is priced at €39.99 (US$45.6) globally. There’s no Malaysian price just yet, but Xiaomi has assured us that local sales info and pricing will be announced once the product is available.

Xiaomi didn’t announce a new TV to go with the Stick, but it did announce something for gamers. The Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34-inch boasts a WQHD 3,440 x 1,440 resolution display at 21:9 ultra-wide aspect ratio and 144hz refresh rate.

The screen has a 1500R curvature, meant to perfectly contour to the human field of view. It also sports 121% sRGB wide colour gamut. The global recommended retail price of Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34-inch is €399 (US$455).

Xiaomi also launched the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic (pic), which offers 5 hours of uninterrupted play from full charge, as well as a total battery life of 20 hours from the three additional charges from its case.

This wireless earphones set uses dual-mic environmental noise cancellation tech to filter background noise and provide clear sound. Removing one ear piece will pause audio, thanks to its in-ear detection feature. Double tapping on the earphone will allow users to pause or play music, pick up calls and access voice control.

The Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic supports both SBC and AAC codecs. Global price lists it at €39.99.

For the outdoors

For those who can’t wait to get their outdoor steps counted, Xiaomi has also unveiled the Mi Smart Band 5 (pic, below), the latest in their line of fitness trackers. The device has been revamped with a 1.1-inch high-resolution AMOLED display – the extra viewing space allows the Band 5 to not only display more real-time stats, but also allow users to personalise the band display with more than 65 theme options and customisable function modules.

It also has an optimised PPG sensor. Xiaomi claims that it features more accurate heart rate tracking for 11 exercise types, including rowing, yoga, elliptical, jump rope and more (so it’s also good indoors!). There’s also a host of new features, including stress level detection, breathing exercises, female health tracking and PAI health matrix.

The Mi Smart Band 5 has also made charging simpler – a new magnetic charger snaps easily to the back of the band, which means you can now charge the device without removing the strap. According to Xiaomi, one full charge will support the device up to 14 days.

The global price for the Mi Smart Band 5 is €39.99.

If you don’t want to clock more steps outdoors, though, Xiaomi has also introduced the Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2. The new e-scooter can reach speeds of up to 25km/h and cover up to 45km on a single charge.

The 300W brushless DC motor is claimed to make 20% incline slopes an effortless climb for the scooter. There’s also a built-in LCD monitor for users to keep an eye on their real-time speed, riding modes and battery levels.

The new scooter is equipped with 8.5-inch pneumatic tires, which apparently helps absorbs shocks from bumps in the road. As far as safety measures go, it has a dual braking system alongside front, rear and side reflectors, plus a 2W headlight for when you’re out riding at night.

The Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 is crafted from “lightweight materials” and is weighed at 14.2kg. It can apparently be folded up in less than three seconds, which sounds like a great companion for transit.

The Pro 2 scooter is priced at €499. There’s a cheaper alternative in the Mi Electric Scooter 1S, which has a similar max speed of 25km/h but can only travel up to 30km on a single charge. This version features a 250W brushless motor that helps riders climb 14% inclines more easily.

It also has a double braking system and reinforced pneumatic tyres. It’s lighter as well, at 12.5kg, and can be folded. The Mi Electric Scooter 1S prices at €399.