The Xiaomi "MIJIA Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker" is the company's first product to enter the 'Internet of Things' stage of technology.
Priced at 999 yuans, or about $150, the Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is much more affordable than its competitors from Japan. It uses pressure IH heating technology and houses a grey cast iron lining that ensures people that their rice is cooked evenly through.
Its smartphone integration allows consumers to scan the barcode on their rice packages and communicate with the rice cooker. The Smart Home appliance will then adjust its heating methods according to the rice's variant and origin to produce quality rice.
Currently, the rice cooker can detect 200 types of brands and has 2,450 heating methods in total. Consumers can also use the cooker to make cakes and other food which is included with the manual.
This is the first product of their MIJIA division under their "Mi Eco-system" plan. The division aims to redefine the world's view of China-made products that have recently experienced scandals worldwide. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun dreams of producing high-quality products that bear the country's name and rebrand so-called "Made in China" products.
"I believe Xiaomi will provide the impetus to raise the quality bar of all China-made products, and will eventually help to lead to a perception that China is no longer about cheap manufacturing and copycats. Over the years, Xiaomi's mission has evolved into changing the world's view of Chinese products," said Jun.
That dream starts with their recent innovations in gadgets and Smart Home appliances. Seven of their products had recently won the "iF Product Design Award 2016," which is further proof that Xiaomi is turning things around for their country.
Xiaomi also announced a series of events that will take place in April: the "Mi 5 Pro" launch; the launch of "Redmi 3 Pro" that has fingerprint sensors; and the release of their "Mi TV 3s Curve." The "MIJIA Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker" is set to launch on April 6 in China. Global release is yet to be confirmed.
