Hugo Barra: Xiaomi Could Roll Out Android One Smartphone

Ex-Googler Hugo Barra, who jumped ship to join Xiaomi of China, did share in a recent interview that the Mi range of high end Xiaomi devices will be on the receiving end of the Android 5.0 Lollipop update early on in 2015, and this will soon be followed by the mid-range Redmi line of smartphones. Needless to say, the most recent iteration of Android will also be accompanied by Xiaomi’s very own MIUI user interface when it rolls out. Barra claims that the development of this exact firmware build will be high on the priority list for Xiaomi, which does suggest MIUI to allow the adoption of the Material Design of Lollipop. Apart from that, Xiaomi will most likely participate in the Android One initiative and introduce just such a device which will be powered by stock, unaltered Android without any MIUI accompanying it.

Barra also claimed that he and his colleagues at Xiaomi happen to be “huge fans of Android One” and they “want to be part of it”. It remains to be seen just when Xiaomi will release an Android One powered device, although chances are it is but a matter of time. When that particular day comes, you are more or less assured that Xiaomi will also continue with one of their “strengths” in the market – that is, keep those devices coming at an aggressive price.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Xiaomi