Xiaomi announced on Monday an updated version of its Mi Band fitness tracker – dubbed the Mi Band Pulse – that will include a new heart rate monitoring feature.
The bargain device, which also features activity and sleep monitoring as well as an alarm and incoming call alerts, will go on sale in China starting Wednesday and retail for about $16 (99 yuan). The Mi Band will not immediately be available in any other locations, though Xiaomi has asked followers on its Mi Facebook page whether they would like the device to be launched in other countries as well.
The new Mi Band will include support for both iOS and Android devices, with setup and monitoring information displayed through the Mi Fit app.
According to a recent Canalys report, the Mi Band has propelled Xiaomi to second place behind the Fitbit in the wearables basic bands segment. In the third quarter, the Mi Band topped 10 million cumulative shipments thanks to “aggressive pricing and frequent promotions,” Canalys said.
