Xiaomi may be developing its first Wear OS device

With companies like Mobvoi and Fossil developing superb Wear OS devices recently, it makes sense that the platform would draw in more OEMs. That’s precisely what it looks like is happening with Xiaomi. Recent findings suggest that the Chinese tech company is working on a Wear OS device of its own.

According to 9to5Google, the latest Wear OS 2.28 APK shows evidence of a possible Xiaomi companion client. With Wear OS, manufacturers can develop their own device companion apps — Mobvoi is one such manufacturer that takes advantage of this with its Mobvoi app.

The evidence for Xiaomi’s entrance into the Wear OS scene dates back to the 2.26 update. A line of code in the APK showed a client codenamed Baiji, an extinct Chinese dolphin, was in development. With 2.28, that codename switched to “xiaomi” and “Mi Wear,” indicating that the company has probably been developing the client for some time.

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If this evidence proves true, it would be the first time in a while a new OEM released a Wear OS device. Xiaomi’s continued success with the Mi Band line proves that the company is taking wearable technology seriously.

Moving its efforts to a more full-featured experience would make sense. If Xiaomi releases a Wear OS device, we hope it keeps the same budget-friendly stance it has with Mi Band line unlike its new foray into hyper premium devices.