Xiaomi opens European web store

The Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi is now also going to market its Mi products in Europe. Initially, it concerns the Mi Band fitness tracker and other accessories. The Europeans have to do without the Mi smartphones for the time being.

This was announced by the head of the international department of Xiaomi Hugo Barra yesterday at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. According to the blog Techinasia, the European plans of the Chinese company resemble the tactic that Xiaomi also applied in the United States: Xiaomi first wanted to profile itself as a lifestyle brand in the American market with wearables.

In addition to the fitness tracker, Xiaomi will start selling its earphones and Power Bank batteries in Europe. The reason Xiaomi will not market its smartphones in Europe could be related to its weak patent portfolio. As a result, the company could potentially face high licensing costs and legal action.