Recognition: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
- The code in the Zepp app indicates that the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 could be loaded with functions.
- The fitness tracker may support Amazon Alexa, built-in GPS, and blood oxygen monitoring.
- It could pack a bigger screen too.
How will Xiaomi follow a valuable fitness tracker like the Mi Band 5? By apparently equipping his successor with even more functions. As XDA According to reports, the well-known Xiaomi device leaker has released Magical Unicorn Code for the Zepp app, which indicates potentially major upgrades for the Mi Band 6.
A firmware file refers to apparently new Xiaomi Mi Band 6 models with Amazon Alexa support, integrated GPS and blood oxygen monitoring. You wouldn’t need to bring your phone with you to track your position during exercise, and you wouldn’t need a Chinese model to put a voice assistant on your wrist.
Revised watch images also suggest that Xiaomi could include a larger display on the Mi Band 6. Both Chinese and international models could include NFC for tap-to-pay, although there may be a Chinese version without this technology.
See also: The best fitness trackers
The wearable can also track a wider range of sports. The code mentions no fewer than 19 new activities, including core fitness pillars like core training, HIIT, and Pilates, as well as various forms of dance, stretch, and even bowling. Some of these are well known if you’ve used some devices (Apple Watches recently added cooldowns and dance exercises), but we doubt anyone will complain if this helps them gauge their performance.
It is not certain when Xiaomi will release the Mi Band 6. There is also no guarantee that a shipping product will contain Alexa or any other functionality. The company may have to cut back on additions that are not yet ready or feasible.
However, it wouldn’t be shocking if Xiaomi were aggressive. According to IDC, Xiaomi was the second largest wearable market share after Apple in Q3 2020, competing with both smartwatches and basic fitness bands. A flurry of new features could help the Mi Band 6 hold its own against far more expensive wristband clothing, not to mention fending off new hardware from Honor and other competitors.