Xiaomi plans own AI assistant for overseas: CNBC

Xiaomi plans own AI assistant for overseas: CNBC

Xiaomi Plans Own AI Assistant for Overseas Markets

Xiaomi, the Chinese technology giant, has announced plans to develop and deploy a proprietary AI assistant for international markets. The company’s president, Lu Weibing, revealed during an interview at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that the AI assistant will accompany Xiaomi’s expansion into overseas automotive markets, with electric vehicle (EV) sales slated for 2027 in Europe. This move aligns with Xiaomi’s broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence, custom silicon, and software ecosystems into a unified product offering.

The AI assistant, currently available in China as “Xiao AI,” will be adapted for international use, leveraging both in-house models and potential partnerships with global tech firms. Lu indicated that Xiaomi may collaborate with Google to incorporate its Gemini AI models into the overseas version of the assistant. This approach mirrors strategies employed by competitors like Samsung, which combines multiple AI frameworks into its devices.

Xiaomi’s push into AI and chip development underscores its ambition to compete with industry leaders such as Apple and Samsung. The company plans to release a new XRing smartphone processor chip annually, starting with the XRing O1, a 3-nanometer system-on-chip (SoC) launched in 2025. This follows a shift from relying on third-party chipmakers like Qualcomm to vertical integration, enabling tighter hardware-software synergy. CEO Lei Jun previously committed to investing at least 50 billion yuan ($6.9 billion) over the next decade in chip research.

While Xiaomi’s vice president had expressed uncertainty in September 2025 about annual chip releases, Lu’s recent comments signal a more definitive roadmap. The company aims to debut the integrated XRing O1 chip, HyperOS operating system, and AI assistant in a domestic device this year, with overseas rollouts to follow.

Analysts note that Xiaomi's AI and chip initiatives reflect a broader trend among Chinese tech firms prioritizing cost-effective, localized solutions over purely competing on technical superiority. As global demand for AI-driven services grows, Xiaomi’s ability to balance innovation with affordability will be critical to its international success.

(https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/04/xiaomi-plans-yearly-smartphone-chip-release-ai-assistant-for-overseas.html): CNBC, March 4, 2026
(https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/04/cnbcs-the-china-connection-newsletter-for-chinese-businesses-its-not-about-which-ai-is-the-smartest.html): CNBC’s The China Connection, February 4, 2026