Is Xiaomi's Touch Screen Smart Speaker Worth the Hype?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing and Physical Features
3. Setup and Compatibility
4. Display and Clock Functionality
5. Media Streaming and Control Center
6. Sound Quality and Music Playback
7. Smart Home Integration
8. Voice Control and AI Features
9. Pros and Cons
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Xiaomi has been making waves in the smart speaker market with the release of various models over the past year. One of their latest offerings is a smart speaker with a touch display. In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of this device to determine if it is any good. From unboxing to sound quality to smart home integration, we will cover it all. So let's dive in and find out if this Xiaomi smart speaker is worth the hype.

Unboxing and Physical Features

Upon unboxing the Xiaomi smart speaker, You will find a set of instructions, the speaker itself, and a micro USB adapter. The unit is compact, measuring 11.3 centimeters wide, 8.2 centimeters in Height, and 7 centimeters deep. It features a 3.9-inch multi-touch display with an 800 by 480 pixels resolution and a speaker located at the bottom. The top of the speaker boasts a screen switch and volume control buttons, while the back houses a micro USB port for power. The device can connect over 2.4 gigahertz WiFi and features Bluetooth 5.0 functionality.

Setup and Compatibility

To set up the Xiaomi smart speaker, you will need to use the "Mi Home" app. It is also advised to have the "Xiaomi AI" app for a seamless experience. The setup process is similar to that of any other Wi-Fi enabled smart home device from Xiaomi. However, it currently only works using the China Mainland server in the app. Once set up, the speaker will showcase a video demonstrating its capabilities. The initial screen displays a clock with various layout options. It also allows users to set rotating photos as the background.

Display and Clock Functionality

The highlight of the Xiaomi smart speaker is its touch display. The 3.9-inch screen not only serves as a clock but also provides additional functionalities. Users can swipe down from the top to access a menu, which allows them to navigate to the home screen or settings. The home screen provides access to popular video streaming sites like "iTe" in China and allows for music playback from QQ Music. Additionally, it features a control center that enables users to control their connected Xiaomi smart home devices.

Media Streaming and Control Center

The Xiaomi smart speaker offers a wide range of media streaming options. Users can enjoy videos from iTe and music from QQ Music. The control center provides convenience in managing connected Xiaomi smart home devices. While it allows for controlling certain lights and altering brightness levels, it has limitations in terms of device compatibility. Not all devices, such as coffee machines, are currently supported. However, it is expected that Xiaomi will improve and expand device compatibility in the future.

Sound Quality and Music Playback

The sound quality of the Xiaomi smart speaker is decent. While it may not surpass the first-generation AI speaker, it offers satisfactory performance. It is worth noting that the speaker prioritizes display experience over sound quality. At maximum volume, there may be slight distortion, especially with bass-heavy tracks. However, for most genres of music played at moderate volumes, the audio output is clear and enjoyable. The speaker also serves as a Bluetooth gateway, allowing connection with various Bluetooth devices.

Smart Home Integration

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi smart speaker is its seamless integration with Xiaomi smart home devices. Users can control their connected devices through voice commands using Mandarin. The speaker supports various automation rules, enabling users to activate multiple devices with a single command. However, it is important to note that the speaker presently only supports Mandarin, posing a limitation for non-Mandarin speakers.

Voice Control and AI Features

The Xiaomi smart speaker offers a range of voice-controlled features through its AI capabilities. It can provide weather updates, Read children's stories, take notes, perform calculations, and offer access to a full encyclopedia. Additionally, users can play cartoons, receive stock updates, and obtain traffic information. The AI functionality is extensive and continuously expanding. However, it is crucial to mention that the Current language support is limited to Mandarin.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact and versatile design
• Bright and sharp touch display
• Bluetooth gateway functionality
• Extensive smart home integration
• Voice control and AI capabilities

Cons:

• Mandarin language support only
• Limited device compatibility
• Sound quality diminishes at maximum volume

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xiaomi smart speaker with a touch display offers a range of features and capabilities. It excels in smart home integration, with seamless control of Xiaomi smart home devices. The touch display adds an interactive element, although at the expense of sound quality. The speaker's AI capabilities provide a plethora of functionalities, albeit restricted to Mandarin language support. Overall, the Xiaomi smart speaker is a great option for the Chinese market, with potential for expansion and linguistic diversity in the future.