This Xiaomi Mi 5 render shows the handset with a real home button

The opportunity came and went for Xiaomi to announce the Mi 5 at its November 24 event, but the company did use that date to launch the Mi Pad 2 and Redmi Note 3. Among the ‘special’ features being rumored for the handset is a technology not unlike Apple’s 3D Touch. The technology, known elsewhere as Force Touch, utilizes a pressure-sensitive display for extended long-presses. But, today, what’s below the display is what’s being talked about around the world.

A leaked render of the device obtained by GizmoChina shows that Xiaomi could be implementing a physical home button just below the display of the Mi 5. Most, if not all, Xiaomi handsets have capacitive buttons for Back, Home, and Recents; however, that is not the case here. The likely explanation for this is that Xiaomi is using a fingerprint scanner that is located on the front of the Mi 5 rather than the back.

Specifications for the handset allegedly include a 5.2-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and 21MP / 8MP cameras. The Mi 5 should ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow; however, Xiaomi is undoubtedly going to put its MIUI 7 overlay on Google’s software.

It is believed that the Mi 5 will be debuting on January 21 with availability starting the next month.

Via: GizmoChina

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Xiaomi prepares to push out Marshmallow OTA for the Mi 4 and Mi Note

The operations manager at Xiaomi has revealed that the company is now preparing to roll out the long-awaited Marshmallow update for both the Mi 4 and Mi Note. This revelation along with the disclosure that a limited nationwide beta will launch initially, followed closely by a worldwide rollout was posted on Weibo earlier today.

Unfortunately, a specific timeframe for the upgrade wasn’t provided, but we suspect that the first closed beta phase will take place early next week, with the full distribution commencing before the end of December.

Source: Weibo

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Xiaomi partners with Amazon to sell the YI Action Camera in the U.S.

Did you know Xiaomi operates an imaging technology company? It’s called YI. And among its products is the YI Action Camera that rivals what we’ve seen from companies like GoPro and Activeon but costs much less. Although it has been sold internationally, the United States has never had access to the device. Xiaomi is proud to be changing that after partnering with Amazon to be the exclusive seller of the YI Action Camera in the United States.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Key specifications:

• 16MP camera (Sony-made sensor)
• Ambarella A7LS processor
• 155-degree ultra wide-angle lense
• 2.4 x 0.8 x 1.6in, 2.7oz

Ye Song, co-founder of YI, said this about the company’s action camera:

“As a technology company deeply rooted in photography and imaging, the YI action camera is just the beginning of our range of products. We are committed to providing the highest quality imaging technology that real people use for real life. With the action camera we want to make it easy and fun for everyone to unlock their creativity and share their stories.”

The YI Action Camera is available from Amazon for $99, coming in lemon lime and arctic white varieties. Xiaomi also has an abundance of accessories for this device — a waterproof case, a bike mount, a hand mount, and a selfie stick. Amazon is selling a bundle that includes the YI Action Camera, a selfie stick, and a Bluetooth remote for $139. All of these items are eligible for Amazon’s free two-day shipping with a Prime membership.

[Amazon]

YI Action Camera Now Available in U.S. via Amazon

Colorful, Powerful and Pocket-Sized Video Camera Offers Affordable Alternative in Time for Holidays

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–YI, the imaging technology company and maker of a successful line of action and home cameras, announced today that its YI action camera is now available for the first time in a limited release version exclusively for the United States through Amazon for $99.95. The YI action camera is a powerful and portable video camera that allows anyone to capture his or her adventures in breathtaking color and clarity. An accompanying iOS and Android app lets users control the camera and showcase their experiences via mobile devices.

“As a technology company deeply rooted in photography and imaging, the YI action camera is just the beginning of our range of products,” said Ye Song, co-founder, YI. “We are committed to providing the highest quality imaging technology that real people use for real life. With the action camera we want to make it easy and fun for everyone to unlock their creativity and share their stories.”

At just 2.7 ounces, the YI action camera is a lightweight, pocket-sized video camera packed with the world’s leading image processor and a 155° ultra-wide angle lens. It offers the ability to capture full high definition videos and 16 megapixel still photos, and record up to 90 minutes of footage on a single charge.

The action camera is also equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so it can be controlled via smartphone from up to 300 feet away and an accompanying YI Action App offers the ability to adjust camera settings and stream live footage instantly on a smartphone. Camera color options, including lime green and arctic white, let users represent their personal style.

“Given the outstanding reviews and incredible demand we have already seen for YI in the U.S., we are excited to extend its reach through our relationship with Amazon Exclusives, its invitation only program,” added Song.

Also available on Amazon are a range of YI accessories including an expandable selfie-stick, Bluetooth remote control, waterproof case, and a variety of mounts such as the hand mount, bike handlebar mount, and more.

Pricing and Availability

YI action camera: Available in arctic white and lime green in the U.S. on Amazon.com for $99.95.

YI action camera kit: Packaged with a selfie stick and Bluetooth remote; Available in arctic white and lime green in the U.S. on Amazon.com for $139.95.

The action camera comes with a one-year warranty.

About YI

YI is an imaging technology company that is committed to making cameras and accessories that real people use for real life—and all of the surprises it brings. Its products including an action camera and home camera offer high performance features and quality at an affordable price tag. In China, YI is part of the Xiaomi family, which has a history of making revolutionary technology accessible to everyone. For more information visit weareYI.com and to purchase visit www.amazon.com/shops/weareYI.

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Xiaomi agrees to patent licence agreement from Qualcomm

Qualcomm and Xiaomi have officially made an agreement. A new patent licence agreement in China allows Xiaomi to create devices that support Qualcomm’s 3G and/or 4G signals.

With the agreement, Xiaomi has agreed to pay Qualcomm to use some of their patents. With this deal made, Xiaomi’s goal is to further advance its mobile department. Qualcomm wants to see Xiaomi do well and is glad that this prevented the company from developing its own chipsets. With Samsung using its very own Exynos processors and Huawei deep within research of making their own processors, every one of Qualcomm’s partners is valuable.Moving forward, Xiaomi’s devices will be able to connect to Qualcomm’s 3G and 4G LTE cell signals. So it’s a win win situation for both manufacturers.

Source: Qualcomm

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