Xiaomi is expected to introduce this year a new model, the sixth in number, of the popular fitness band Mi Band . According to reports , this model may be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with a number of features that are rare to see in fitness straps in this price segment. One innovation unveiled in the Mi Band 6 is a built-in GPS receiver, which will allow the use of location-based features without relying on a paired smartphone.
The Mi Band 6 may also come with a SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation, and the global version will support Amazon’s digital assistant Alexa for voice commands. The NFC connection that allows wireless purchases, however, will remain exclusive at this point to the Chinese version and will not operate in the West.
Also on the list of expected innovations in Mi Band 6: a larger and higher quality screen, built-in support for emoji icons while mirroring alerts from the phone, and automatic detection and tracking of 19 new sports training including dancing and Zumba, ice skating, basketball and boxing. The operating system will also support setting the alarm clock directly from the clock (and not just through the phone app), automatic screen locking while swimming, and also a built-in clock app for viewing sleep tracking data.
The big question is of course whether Omi will be able to offer all these features in a fitness band that will maintain an attractive price.
