Xiaomi shuts down its only Mi Store in the UK

Xiaomi is younger than a lot of other smartphone brands but it has become the preferred choice for the majority of Asian consumers.  In Western markets like Europe and the US, the company can be seen growing very well, especially due to the high value that phones under its spin-off brand Redmi offer. Xiaomi ventured into the UK almost two years ago, starting with a partnership with local telco Three followed by the opening of a retail store in London. Unfortunately for Xiaomi fans, though, the first and the only offline Mi store in the UK has been shut down by the company.

The Xiaomi store, which was located in London’s Sheperd’s Bush area in the Westfield shopping center, has now officially confirmed to have been shut down. Westfield’s website confirms the news while the now-defunct Twitter handle for Mi Store London reaffirms it.

According to a Xiaomi spokesperson, the shutdown is in line with the company’s updated retail strategy for the region. All of the products will continue to be available online through Xiaomi’s UK website and partner e-commerce platforms like Amazon UK.

In an official statement to Android Authority, Xiaomi said, “This adjustment to our local retail strategy is a reaction to our fast growing business in Western Europe. Since our official arrival in the UK over one year ago, we have loved building relationships with our users, Mi Fans and partners and thank them all for their support. UK users and Mi Fans can continue to purchase Xiaomi products through our official website mi.com/uk and other official channels that will be announced along with our product launches in the future.”

Since its launch in November 2018, the Mi Store in London was the one-stop-shop for not just Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones but also audio accessories, wearables, smart home products, and unusual Xiaomi products like electric scooters and screwdrivers, umbrellas, bags and luggage, electric toothbrushes, etc. Fortunately, most of the products are still available online.

If you’re from the UK and know other stores where Xiaomi products are available, do let us know in the comments below. We’d be happy to share the details with other readers!

---

Source: Android Authority

The post Xiaomi shuts down its only Mi Store in the UK appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3cEZHFz
via IFTTT

Xiaomi shuts down its only Mi Store in the UK

Xiaomi is younger than a lot of other smartphone brands but it has become the preferred choice for the majority of Asian consumers.  In Western markets like Europe and the US, the company can be seen growing very well, especially due to the high value that phones under its spin-off brand Redmi offer. Xiaomi ventured into the UK almost two years ago, starting with a partnership with local telco Three followed by the opening of a retail store in London. Unfortunately for Xiaomi fans, though, the first and the only offline Mi store in the UK has been shut down by the company.

The Xiaomi store, which was located in London’s Sheperd’s Bush area in the Westfield shopping center, has now officially confirmed to have been shut down. Westfield’s website confirms the news while the now-defunct Twitter handle for Mi Store London reaffirms it.

According to a Xiaomi spokesperson, the shutdown is in line with the company’s updated retail strategy for the region. All of the products will continue to be available online through Xiaomi’s UK website and partner e-commerce platforms like Amazon UK.

In an official statement to Android Authority, Xiaomi said, “This adjustment to our local retail strategy is a reaction to our fast growing business in Western Europe. Since our official arrival in the UK over one year ago, we have loved building relationships with our users, Mi Fans and partners and thank them all for their support. UK users and Mi Fans can continue to purchase Xiaomi products through our official website mi.com/uk and other official channels that will be announced along with our product launches in the future.”

Since its launch in November 2018, the Mi Store in London was the one-stop-shop for not just Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones but also audio accessories, wearables, smart home products, and unusual Xiaomi products like electric scooters and screwdrivers, umbrellas, bags and luggage, electric toothbrushes, etc. Fortunately, most of the products are still available online.

If you’re from the UK and know other stores where Xiaomi products are available, do let us know in the comments below. We’d be happy to share the details with other readers!

---

Source: Android Authority

The post Xiaomi shuts down its only Mi Store in the UK appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3cEZHFz
via IFTTT

Redmi showcases IR-based in-display fingerprint scanner for LCDs, ready for mass production

Smartphones, in general, may appear to be plateauing, but that is an over-generalization that takes away from the exciting development that does happen. For instance, in the past few years, we have seen capacitive fingerprint scanners slowly be replaced by in-display fingerprint scanners, mostly of the optical kind but some ultrasonic too. These in-display sensors first made their appearance on flagships, but the technology has slowly made its way lower down the market too. However, one drawback of these current generation in-display fingerprint sensors is that they work only with AMOLED displays, which adds on to the overall cost of the product. Now, Redmi has showcased in-display fingerprint sensor solutions for LCDs, and it claims this tech is mass production-ready.

Redmi General Manager, Mr. Lu Weibing took to his Weibo account to share a short clip demonstrating the in-display fingerprint scanner technology for LCDs.

According to Mr. Weibing, Redmi, the Xiaomi-backed sub-brand, has managed to successfully incorporate infrared-based in-display fingerprint scanner tech for LCD. He goes on to give a short summary, explaining that the working principle behind in-display fingerprint scanners is to record the characteristics of the fingerprint through the sensor that sits underneath the display. Since the sensor is under the display, there needs to be a channel to transmit either optical or ultrasonic signals, which limits the current generation solutions to OLED displays only as LCDs have a backlight module that does not allow this to happen. By extension, these in-display fingerprint scanners are thus limited to higher-priced devices since OLEDs are more expensive than LCDs. LCDs can only use back fingerprint scanners or side-mounted fingerprint solutions as seen on the POCO X2 (or Redmi K30, as it is known in China).

The Redmi R&D ream has overcome the technical limitations by using infrared high-transmittance film material. This film greatly improves the transmittance of infrared light through the display, which could not happen previously. This is different from optical fingerprint scanners which basically captured a photo of your fingerprint through a camera, as this makes use of infrared transmitters below the display to capture the fingerprint.

Redmi says that this approach successfully overcomes the hurdles of in-display fingerprint on LCDs. Though it remains to be seen how secure this approach actually is, and if it is better than optical in-display solutions, could this be adapted to OLED displays as well? Another element is cost, as LCDs are primarily adopted for their lower cost — if the IR solutions is more expensive, it would defeat the cost benefits that come from using LCD.

LCDs with in-display fingerprint scanners were expected to bring the tech down to lower price points. Goodix was also confident of LCD optical under-display fingerprint scanners entering mass production in 2020. It remains to be seen how Redmi’s IR based solution affects these plans, as Redmi has not given a timeline for a consumer product either.

---

Source: Weibo

The post Redmi showcases IR-based in-display fingerprint scanner for LCDs, ready for mass production appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2xir7AB
via IFTTT

Redmi showcases IR-based in-display fingerprint scanner for LCDs, ready for mass production

Smartphones, in general, may appear to be plateauing, but that is an over-generalization that takes away from the exciting development that does happen. For instance, in the past few years, we have seen capacitive fingerprint scanners slowly be replaced by in-display fingerprint scanners, mostly of the optical kind but some ultrasonic too. These in-display sensors first made their appearance on flagships, but the technology has slowly made its way lower down the market too. However, one drawback of these current generation in-display fingerprint sensors is that they work only with AMOLED displays, which adds on to the overall cost of the product. Now, Redmi has showcased in-display fingerprint sensor solutions for LCDs, and it claims this tech is mass production-ready.

Redmi General Manager, Mr. Lu Weibing took to his Weibo account to share a short clip demonstrating the in-display fingerprint scanner technology for LCDs.

According to Mr. Weibing, Redmi, the Xiaomi-backed sub-brand, has managed to successfully incorporate infrared-based in-display fingerprint scanner tech for LCD. He goes on to give a short summary, explaining that the working principle behind in-display fingerprint scanners is to record the characteristics of the fingerprint through the sensor that sits underneath the display. Since the sensor is under the display, there needs to be a channel to transmit either optical or ultrasonic signals, which limits the current generation solutions to OLED displays only as LCDs have a backlight module that does not allow this to happen. By extension, these in-display fingerprint scanners are thus limited to higher-priced devices since OLEDs are more expensive than LCDs. LCDs can only use back fingerprint scanners or side-mounted fingerprint solutions as seen on the POCO X2 (or Redmi K30, as it is known in China).

The Redmi R&D ream has overcome the technical limitations by using infrared high-transmittance film material. This film greatly improves the transmittance of infrared light through the display, which could not happen previously. This is different from optical fingerprint scanners which basically captured a photo of your fingerprint through a camera, as this makes use of infrared transmitters below the display to capture the fingerprint.

Redmi says that this approach successfully overcomes the hurdles of in-display fingerprint on LCDs. Though it remains to be seen how secure this approach actually is, and if it is better than optical in-display solutions, could this be adapted to OLED displays as well? Another element is cost, as LCDs are primarily adopted for their lower cost — if the IR solutions is more expensive, it would defeat the cost benefits that come from using LCD.

LCDs with in-display fingerprint scanners were expected to bring the tech down to lower price points. Goodix was also confident of LCD optical under-display fingerprint scanners entering mass production in 2020. It remains to be seen how Redmi’s IR based solution affects these plans, as Redmi has not given a timeline for a consumer product either.

---

Source: Weibo

The post Redmi showcases IR-based in-display fingerprint scanner for LCDs, ready for mass production appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2xir7AB
via IFTTT

AnTuTu Benchmark removed from the Google Play Store

Last month, Google removed nearly 600 apps from the Play Store for violating of in-app ad policies. Most of these were reportedly removed on the grounds of fraudulent and disruptive in-app advertisements. While Google refrained from naming the expelled apps specifically, infamous Chinese app publisher Cheetah Mobile seemingly got the ax – and this was not its first time. Weeks later, Google has now removed popular benchmarking apps from AnTuTu for their supposed connection with Cheetah Mobile. The apps removed from the Google Play Store include AnTuTu Benchmark, AnTuTu 3DBench, and AITuTu Benchmark.

The exact reason behind this expulsion is unclear but Android Police points out that AnTuTu’s association with Cheetah Mobile could be the culprit. In an archived version of AnTuTu’s Privacy Policy, Cheetah Mobile has been called the “data controller with regard to any personal information collected from users.” This Privacy Policy has been dated to October 10th, 2018, but the webpage was last cached as recently as on December 13th, 2019. As per the same document, “A “data controller” is an entity that determines the purposes for which and the manner in which any personal information is processed.”

As of December 26th, 2019, the Privacy Policy was updated and Cheetah Mobile was replaced with “Antutu Technology Co.,Ltd.” In contrast, however, the Privacy Policy button in AnTuTu Benchmark’s Play Store (latest archived) listing still directs to a webpage on Cheetah Mobile’s website.

Confusing powerplay

Cheetah Mobile’s CEO, Fu Sheng, is also listed as the chairman and manager of the Antutu Technology Co., as per Tianyancha enterprise database (Chinese alternative to Crunchbase). To make things even more tortuously confusing, Cheetah Mobile – the supposed owner of AnTuTu – owes 54% of its stakes to Kingsoft Corporation, which has Lei Jun as its chairman. For those who may be unaware, Lei Jun is the co-founder of Chinese technology giant Xiaomi.

AnTuTu brushes it as a “misunderstanding”

After Android Police published the story, AnTuTu reached out to them, calling this a “misunderstanding” and explicitly claiming that it is not governed by Cheetah Mobile. On the contrary, Cheetah Mobile claims it is only one of the investors in AnTuTu but the latter still holds a “considerable account of shares” and therefore, the control of the company.

Here’s the full statement sent to Android Police:

We received a notification email from Google on March 7th informing us that AnTuTu was one of the related publisher accounts of Cheetah Mobile, all AnTuTu apps were removed from the Play Store. But in fact, We think there is some misunderstanding about it. Antutu is NOT the related account of Cheetah Mobile!!

AnTuTu was founded in 2011, even before Cheetah Mobile, and is one of the earliest Google Play developers. Cheetah Mobile invested in us in around 2014 and became one of our shareholders since then. However, we still retain a considerable account of shares and Independent operation of the company as well as our own independent Google Play account. Cheetah Mobile has never touched our Google Play account, and AnTuTu has NOT done any promotion of Cheetah Mobile’s software.

We believe that the reason for Google’s misjudgment is that we purchased and used the legal services from Cheetah Mobile, so our privacy policy link used the address of cmcm.com. This is what we are working on, including changing legal supplier. Regarding Fu Sheng being the chairman / manager of Beijing AnTuTu Technology Co., Ltd., this is because of the requirements of the investors. In fact, many Chinese companies have such requirements when investing. When the shares reach a certain percentage, investors will require changes in government registration documents. The company is actually operated by Beijing AnTuTu Technology Co., Ltd. Henan Branch. (https://ift.tt/2vQollS), and Fu Sheng does not actually participate in the operation or the management of AnTuTu. Anyway, we have informed the investor Cheetah Mobile asking them to solve these problems caused by them.

We hope that Google can examine AnTuTu’s account carefully and finally resolve this misunderstanding as soon as possible.

We’re waiting for any further updates from Google and/or AnTuTu in this regard and will revise the article accordingly. In the meantime, you can choose from plenty of other benchmarking apps if you really need to or grab an APK from the official downloads page if you still wish to use AnTuTu or AITutu Benchmark apps.

The post AnTuTu Benchmark removed from the Google Play Store appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2TDWgrf
via IFTTT

AnTuTu Benchmark removed from the Google Play Store

Last month, Google removed nearly 600 apps from the Play Store for violating of in-app ad policies. Most of these were reportedly removed on the grounds of fraudulent and disruptive in-app advertisements. While Google refrained from naming the expelled apps specifically, infamous Chinese app publisher Cheetah Mobile seemingly got the ax – and this was not its first time. Weeks later, Google has now removed popular benchmarking apps from AnTuTu for their supposed connection with Cheetah Mobile. The apps removed from the Google Play Store include AnTuTu Benchmark, AnTuTu 3DBench, and AITuTu Benchmark.

The exact reason behind this expulsion is unclear but Android Police points out that AnTuTu’s association with Cheetah Mobile could be the culprit. In an archived version of AnTuTu’s Privacy Policy, Cheetah Mobile has been called the “data controller with regard to any personal information collected from users.” This Privacy Policy has been dated to October 10th, 2018, but the webpage was last cached as recently as on December 13th, 2019. As per the same document, “A “data controller” is an entity that determines the purposes for which and the manner in which any personal information is processed.”

As of December 26th, 2019, the Privacy Policy was updated and Cheetah Mobile was replaced with “Antutu Technology Co.,Ltd.” In contrast, however, the Privacy Policy button in AnTuTu Benchmark’s Play Store (latest archived) listing still directs to a webpage on Cheetah Mobile’s website.

Confusing powerplay

Cheetah Mobile’s CEO, Fu Sheng, is also listed as the chairman and manager of the Antutu Technology Co., as per Tianyancha enterprise database (Chinese alternative to Crunchbase). To make things even more tortuously confusing, Cheetah Mobile – the supposed owner of AnTuTu – owes 54% of its stakes to Kingsoft Corporation, which has Lei Jun as its chairman. For those who may be unaware, Lei Jun is the co-founder of Chinese technology giant Xiaomi.

AnTuTu brushes it as a “misunderstanding”

After Android Police published the story, AnTuTu reached out to them, calling this a “misunderstanding” and explicitly claiming that it is not governed by Cheetah Mobile. On the contrary, Cheetah Mobile claims it is only one of the investors in AnTuTu but the latter still holds a “considerable account of shares” and therefore, the control of the company.

Here’s the full statement sent to Android Police:

We received a notification email from Google on March 7th informing us that AnTuTu was one of the related publisher accounts of Cheetah Mobile, all AnTuTu apps were removed from the Play Store. But in fact, We think there is some misunderstanding about it. Antutu is NOT the related account of Cheetah Mobile!!

AnTuTu was founded in 2011, even before Cheetah Mobile, and is one of the earliest Google Play developers. Cheetah Mobile invested in us in around 2014 and became one of our shareholders since then. However, we still retain a considerable account of shares and Independent operation of the company as well as our own independent Google Play account. Cheetah Mobile has never touched our Google Play account, and AnTuTu has NOT done any promotion of Cheetah Mobile’s software.

We believe that the reason for Google’s misjudgment is that we purchased and used the legal services from Cheetah Mobile, so our privacy policy link used the address of cmcm.com. This is what we are working on, including changing legal supplier. Regarding Fu Sheng being the chairman / manager of Beijing AnTuTu Technology Co., Ltd., this is because of the requirements of the investors. In fact, many Chinese companies have such requirements when investing. When the shares reach a certain percentage, investors will require changes in government registration documents. The company is actually operated by Beijing AnTuTu Technology Co., Ltd. Henan Branch. (https://ift.tt/2vQollS), and Fu Sheng does not actually participate in the operation or the management of AnTuTu. Anyway, we have informed the investor Cheetah Mobile asking them to solve these problems caused by them.

We hope that Google can examine AnTuTu’s account carefully and finally resolve this misunderstanding as soon as possible.

We’re waiting for any further updates from Google and/or AnTuTu in this regard and will revise the article accordingly. In the meantime, you can choose from plenty of other benchmarking apps if you really need to or grab an APK from the official downloads page if you still wish to use AnTuTu or AITutu Benchmark apps.

The post AnTuTu Benchmark removed from the Google Play Store appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2TDWgrf
via IFTTT

Download: Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite starts receiving official Android 10 update

The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite was launched way back in July 2018 alongside the Mi A2 as successors to the original Mi A1 under the Android One program. The Mi A2 Lite was a fairly humble device, with specs similar to the Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro. The phone launched with Android 8.1 Oreo, and was later updated to Android 9 Pie some months later. Now, users can rejoice as Xiaomi is finally rolling out Android 10 officially for the device!

The official Android 10 update for the Mi A2 Lite comes in the form of build number QDLMIXM with an approximate size of 1.1GB. Just last month, we spotted that the device’s Android 10 kernel source code was uploaded by Xiaomi to its official Github, indicating that a release was around the corner — so we aren’t entirely surprised here. We are a little surprised by the delay it has taken to update an Android One device, but some of the delays can be attributed to COVID-19 and the impact it has on several sectors across the world. This Android 10 update should be seeding out to users around the world in small batches initially, with a wider rollout expected in the coming weeks if no critical bugs are found. If you cannot wait, we have download links for the official update package that you can use to sideload the update yourself before it arrives on your device.

You can download Android 10 update (Recovery ROM) using the link below:

Download official Android 10 for the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite || Mi A2 Lite XDA Forums

Please refer to our device forums for installation instructions.

---

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer yshalsager for the download link!

The post Download: Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite starts receiving official Android 10 update appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2U2MTQT
via IFTTT