Xiaomi sub-brand Huami, famed for making low-cost smartwatches like the Amazfit BIP, is all set to take giant strides forward. The company has entered into a strategic partnership with timepiece giant Timex. The duo will be joining forces to build a “new generation” of smartwatches.
Huami and Timex team up
Established in 2013, Huami has quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the big names in the wearables space. The company’s smartwatches and fitness trackers under the Amazfit brand have gained a wide popularity in no time, more so in the Asian market. This clearly tells that the company boasts the technology and expertise warranted by the modern wearable space.
Timex, on the other hand, has the watchmaking know-how that dates back all the way to 1854. The company did try its hands on next gen watches, but its IQ+ Move watch failed in the market. Now by sparking up a partnership with Huami, the company is making a move in this direction once again. And this time, it is well equipped. Timex is a globally recognised brand, and has a huge customer base and marketing and distribution channels. This, together with Huami’s expertise in AI technology, cloud platform, app design and manufacturing capabilities will make a good duo for sure.
“Together with Huami, we will bring forth a new generation of smart watches set to disrupt the category,” said Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, President and CEO, Timex Group.
For Huami, this partnership will allow it to gain deeper access to markets outside Asia, especially in the US. In a press release, the company said that the two will “develop a new generation of smartwatches that deliver on performance, style, craftsmanship and price” for both US/UK and Asian markets.
Huami had recently said that it’s planning a “revolutionary” wearable for 2019. Whether it’ll be the first in collaboration with Timex remains to be seen.
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