Xiaomi has set its sights on a global launch for the highly anticipated Smart Band 8, according to a fresh report. However, it seems that eager fitness enthusiasts around the world will have to exercise some patience, as shipments are not expected to commence until October. This marks a six month wait since the device’s initial debut in Xiaomi’s domestic market.
Back in April, Xiaomi unveiled the Smart Band 8, an impressive addition to its fitness tracker lineup. This launch was followed by the introduction of the Smart Band 8 Pro. Yet, Xiaomi has chosen to keep both these devices exclusive to its Chinese audience for the time being. It’s worth noting that this strategy mirrors the company’s past approach with previous Mi Band and Smart Band generations, extending all the way to last year’s Smart Band 7 and Smart Band 7 Pro.
Xiaomi’s Global Release Plans for Smart Band 8: What to Expect
A recent report from Gadgets & Wearables suggests that a “major Polish distributor” has spilled the beans on the commencement of Smart Band 8 deliveries. However, the article lacks a credible source and doesn’t disclose the distributor’s identity. As such, it’s prudent to treat this information as a mere rumor until more solid evidence surfaces.
Gizchina News of the week
Reportedly, the Smart Band 8 is slated to start its global journey on October 4, a date that conveniently aligns with the arrival of Xiaomi’s 13T series. Interestingly, full specifications for the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro have already made their way online, and we’ve covered those separately. While the October 4 shipment date may initially pertain to Poland, it’s unlikely that Xiaomi would limit a Eurozone release to just one member. Historically, Xiaomi tends to unveil its global releases a few weeks before units hit the hands of consumers. Notably, this release appears to focus solely on the Smart Band 8, with no mention of the Smart Band 8 Pro.
In a recent development, Kacper Skrzypek has shared information about the Polish distributor mentioned in Gadgets & Wearables’ article. X-Kom, as depicted in the accompanying image, plans to kick off Smart Band 8 shipments on October 3. It’s a day earlier than previously reported. Furthermore, X-Kom has set the price for the Smart Band 8 at PLN 199, which equates to approximately €45 or US$49, inclusive of Poland’s 23% VAT. This suggests that the Smart Band 8 could potentially cost less than US$40 for consumers in the United States.
In conclusion, Xiaomi enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the global release of the Smart Band 8. While rumors abound regarding the exact release date, Xiaomi’s track record suggests that we can expect an official announcement in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for updates as Xiaomi prepares to make its latest fitness tracker accessible to a global audience.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Specifications
- 1.62-inch (192×490 pixels) HD 2.5D Always-on AMOLED touch display, 326 PPI, Up to 600 nits of brightness
- Bluetooth 5.1 that connects to Android 6.0 and above and iOS 12.0 and above, NFC (NFC Edition only)
- 5ATM Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Optical heart rate and blood oxygen sensor, six-axis motion sensor
- 150+ workout modes including professional courses such as running course, running bean mode, somatosensory boxing course, etc
- Continuous heart rate tracking, continuous blood oxygen saturation monitoring, as well as 24/7 sleep tracking, Female health tracking etc.
- Smart controls such as music control, remote camera control, quick message reply, incoming call alerts
- 100+ new watch faces with AOD support, includes Mars Super Wallpaper
- Dimensions: 48 × 22.5 × 10.99mm; Weight: 27g (including strap)
- 190mAh battery offers up to 16 days of battery life with typical usage, charging time of about 1 hour
