Xiaomi Finally Sets Up Shop In The UK

Xiaomi has announced the next part of its push across the world with the launch of several new online stores, including its first in the UK.

Previously only available in China, the UK version of the Mi.com marketplace will launch tomorrow, May 19, alongside the US, France and Germany.

However, customers will not be able to purchase any Xiaomi devices on the site, but instead a limited supply of accessories, including the 5000mAh and 10400mAh Mi power banks, Mi Band and Mi Headphones.

Sign up

“For the 1st time ever, fans in US, UK, France and Germany can shop on mi.com (beta test) and purchase star accessories like the 5000mAh and 10400mAh Mi power banks, Mi Band and Mi Headphones!” a post on the official Xiaomi Facebook page said.

“Very limited quantities will be available on 19 May, 1pm CEST (7 a.m. EST). Sign up for a Mi Account (http://account.mi.com) now and log in early before the sale starts. Partager avec vos amis!”

A US launch for the Mi.com store was rumoured earlier this year as part of the company’s global expansion, but the above post is the first official confirmation since then.

Xiaomi has also announced a push into South America, revealing that it is close to securing a manufacturing partner in Brazil, and will begin sales in the country later this year.

Xiaomi has grown rapidly since its formation in 2010 to become the leading smartphone maker in China, beating even the likes of Apple and Samsung thanks to an extensive range of mid and low-range devices.

However the company has signalled that it is looking to expand its reaches, and last month announced the Mi 4i, (pictured above) the first Xiaomi smartphone to go on sale outside of China. Initially available just in India, it has been tipped for a later wider release across Western markets.

This marked the latest efforts for the company to diversify its product offerings so far in 2015, most recently with the unveiling of two flagship ‘phablet’ devices, the Mi Note and Mi Note Pro, aimed at taking on Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets.

What do you remember about the smartphones of 2014? Try our quiz!