Apple, Samsung, and LG are recalled as the big names in smartphone world. While those names stand out in America now, consumers and manufacturers alike will soon have new brands such as Xianomi rolling off their tongues.
The Chinese smartphone startup Xianomi started out copying a big name in the game, namely Apple…and copied it enough to make a joke of it. During a press conference, they had a man imitate Steve Jobs’s signature black turtleneck and jeans to unveil a new phone. Despite the joke, their company valuation at $46 billion proves their own worth and competition.
What gives Xianomi such success? Affordability, designs and specs which not only keep up with more popular and expensive brands, but also rival them. Although they once depended on imitating Apple’s iPhone line for exposure, their own models have strayed from Apple. Today, their models stand out as Xianomi rather than an Apple look-alike.
Timing doesn’t hurt either. Apple could have sued them just a few years ago when the market was booming. Due to a lack of growth in Asian markets, Xianomi had to find an outlet for them to further succeed.
That’s where the introduction of Xianomi in the United States comes in. Since their new deal with Microsoft, Xianomi is protected from patents and the lawsuits which come with them. This helps them in their mission to expand outside China, which they have made clear is their goal.
Their senior vice president, Wang Xiang, stated the Microsoft deal and additional patents filed were “an important steps forwards to support our expansion internationally.” Their potential to stand out as a new household name in the United States is clear. With more preparation and some hype, Americans should soon be able to get a hold of a Xianomi product.
Featured Image via Wikimedia
