Chinese tech giant partners with Olympic champion to launch smart sneakers

Reports say Xiaomi yesterday revealed the app-connected running shoes that it has created with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning. These have been anticipated since word first leaked out in March.

According to sources, they’re available in two versions, one for RMB 399 (US$64.50), and the other for RMB 199 (US$32). The pricier variant is an all-new shoe design that goes on sale on July 20, followed a week later by the cheaper one that’s simply a smart version of an existing sneaker design. Both types connect with Xiaomi’s Mi Fit app via Bluetooth.

Further investigation reveals this is the second such gadget that Xiaomi has created with its fitness wearables partner Huami. The first was the US$15 Mi Band, which launched last summer.