Microsoft and Xiaomi have partnered together to develop AI-powered smart speakers and smartphones. The new product-line compete directly with the existing products by Google, Amazon, and Apple.
The tech giant Microsoft already has a dedicated team working on its AI technology, Cortana. The Chinese manufacturer, Xiaomi is known for its top-class hardware expertise. Microsoft will let Xiaomi use its cloud computing products including Azure to develop upgraded phones, laptops and smart devices.
Both the companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which will let them collaborate for AI-powered speakers and smartphones. The US-based tech giant will also get to reach and access the Chinese market. The Chinese brand is likely to integrate Microsoft’s Cortana with Mi smart speaker.
The partnership between the two companies is not really legally binding. The MoU does not disclose any financial arrangement involved. Both the companies will get a chance to work closely in cloud computing, AI, and hardware sectors as part of the deal.
Microsoft has so-far developed a Cortana smart-speaker “Harman Kardon Invoke”. The speaker struggled to compete against popular speakers from Google, Amazon, and Apple. Both, Microsoft and Xiaomi are working on projects that will use a number of Microsoft’s AI technology.
Xiaomi will get a chance to use Microsoft services like Bing, Edge, and Skype. The two companies did work together in past to test Windows 10 on Xiaomi devices. Microsoft and Xiaomi are set to bring innovation in the smart-speaker market with their upcoming product.