Xiaomi's Mi 4 Smartphone Unlocks With the Tap of a Fitness Tracker

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi launched its fourth-generation smartphone on Tuesday, swapping its signature neon plastic casing for a metal finish and overall classier look.

Retailing at $322, the Mi 4 comes in only two flavors this time around (black and white, with wooden covers available) and a full HD 5-inch display. The Android-based Mi 4 runs on a 2.5GHz Qualmcomm Snapdragon 801, an Adreno 330 graphics processor and a 13-megapixel camera.

The move from a plastic to a metal design emphasizes how the brand wants to create a high-end look with strong
specs, while still keeping a moderate price tag.

Earlier this year, the Chinese startup reported strong growth, with a 271% increase in sales in the first half of 2014.

It aims to sell 60 million handsets by the end of the year, according to TechCrunch.

But perhaps the biggest surprise and neatest addition related to the new announcement was the introduction of Mi smart bracelet, which syncs with the device, acts as a fitness tracker and unlocks the smartphone when tapped, without tapping in a passcode.

The smartband ($13) pairs with the M4 via Bluetooth to record daily activities, such as distance walked and calories burned. It also monitors sleeping cycles and has the ability to share data to Twitter and other social channels.

The bracelet vibrates and flashes to notify users that of incoming calls, which could come in handy when the phone is placed inside a bag or you're passing through a noisy space. It promises up to 30 days of battery life — four times the normal life of a fitness tracker.

Posted by : Gizmeon