Rhea Liu
Xiaomi has released a new TV in Beijing today, the new 60-inch Mi TV 3 at a price of RMB 4999 (USD 793).
The new model will feature an independent screen and sound bar, with the soundbar being an optional and upgradeable accessory.The screen is produced by LG and features 4K HD resolution and Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation. It takes the form of a metal unibody, and at its thinnest point is 11.6 millimeters.
Photo from Xiaomi’s official Weibo account
The control unit/speaker set, which features Dolby Audio, can be purchased separately for RMB 999 (USD 159). The TV unit is pre-loaded with a customized version of the Mi TV system and is compatible with other television sets, screens and projectors. The Mi TV 3 will be available from Xiaomi’s online store on November 3rd.
Xiaomi claims to have invested USD one billion in content purchase so far, and now claims it has about 440,000 hours of content. Announced at today’s conference, Xiaomi has made a co-investment in the New Saint Film Studio with Huayi Brothers Media Corporation, one of the biggest producers of original content in China.
It’s reported Xiaomi sold over 300,000 television sets for the first half of this year, which has seen it surpass its overall sales for 2014. Main competitor, LeTV, claims it sold 1.5 million television sets last year and 382,000 units in the span of a single day during its annual fan festival in September.
Photo from Xiaomi’s official Weibo account
Compared with Internet companies, traditional manufacturers have a much bigger share of the smart television market. The top three smart television manufacturers in China are Hisense, TCL and Skyworth. Hisense alone, sold eight million smart television sets last year.
Xiaomi today also launched a two-wheel self-balancing scooter at a price of RMB 1999 (USD 317). The scooter is produced by Ninebot, a smart vehicle manufacturer invested in by Xiaomi. Ninebot acquired self-balancing vehicle pioneer Segway in May. The new scooter will be available from Xiaomi’s online store on November 3rd.
(Featured photo from Xiaomi’s official Weibo account)
