Xiaomi may be planning to launch its first true smartwatch, and it could run on Google’s Wear OS operating system.
That speculation comes courtesy of some digging done around in files of the latest Wear OS companion app by the folks at 9to5 Google.
Essential reading: Best Wear OS watches to buy now
It initially found references to a ‘Mi Wear’ companion app with further digging also uncovering mentions of a ‘Mi Watch’, which could be the name of the upcoming smartwatch.
While most Wear OS watches generally run through Google’s own companion smartphone app to get things set up, we have seen in the past some smartwatch makers also produce their own companion apps to add extra functionality.
The references follow evidence of a companion app that was discovered back in July that development of the software was previously codenamed Baiji. It seems that codename has now been replaced with the Mi Wear name.
In the wearable realms, Xiaomi is best known for its Mi Band fitness tracker, though it has dabbled in smartwatches, too, largely through its Mi Bunny kids smartwatch range.
Sub-brand Amazfit does offer more in the way of connected timepieces, like the Verge 2 (pictured) and Bip, though this represent an an interesting partnership between two tech heavyweights.
We haven’t seen a new company build smartwatches running Google’s operating system for some time now, given that the likes of LG, Motorola and Asus have stepped away from the Wear OS platform.
Huawei’s two latest watches also ran on its own operating system, with TicWatch makers Mobvoi the only really notable tech name making Wear watches with the Fossil Group.
So, that considered, it would actually be a big deal if Xiaomi is making a Wear OS smartwatch. It’s been well documented that Google’s platform continues to struggle against the Apple Watch, as well as the growth in sales from Samsung, Fitbit and Garmin.
Xiaomi has managed to dominate on the fitness tracker front with the Mi Band, so could it have the same impact with smartwatches and improving Wear OS?
If a Xiaomi smartwatch is indeed in the works, we imagine Google will be hoping it could be the start of a turnaround.