Mi Smart Clock AI Speaker with Google Assistant - Deep Comparison with the China Version.
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Introduction
Recently, Xiaomi has released another exciting AI speaker in their product lineup, the Mi Smart Clock. In this article, I'll be comparing the global version of the Mi Smart Clock with its Chinese counterpart, which I have been using for roughly two years. While the Chinese version only speaks Mandarin, the global version is equipped with Google Assistant, making it accessible for English-speaking users. Let’s dive into the details!
Unboxing the Mi Smart Clock
Upon unboxing the Mi Smart Clock, the first thing you may notice is that its design closely resembles that of the Chinese edition. The Chinese version is integrated with the Xiao I system, while the global variant utilizes Google Assistant. Inside the box, you will find a power cord and a user manual along with the device itself.
Boot-Up Comparison
To see the differences between the two versions, I decided to boot them up simultaneously. I placed the Chinese version on the left and the global version on the right, using a Xiaomi power bank with dual USB-A outputs for convenience.
When I powered them simultaneously, the Chinese version booted up noticeably faster, displaying the Xiaomi logo first. By the time the global version began loading, the Chinese version was already navigating through its user interface. The sleekness and visual clarity of the Chinese version were apparent right from the start, showcasing a superior UI as compared to its global counterpart.
User Interface Exploration
Both versions of the smart clock feature a touch screen interface, but there are some significant differences. The Chinese version allows seamless access to media apps, cameras, and other features all in Mandarin. Users can watch movies, listen to music, make phone calls, and even play games. In contrast, the global version's interface is simplified and primarily navigated via Google Assistant commands.
For example, in the global version, swiping down allows you to set alarms, while swiping up lets you adjust settings like brightness and volume. Here, the interface feels less interactive and visually appealing than the China edition.
Features and Performance
When it comes to functionality, both versions support alarms and weather updates, and both are capable of playing music. The global version can connect to Spotify by issuing voice commands. For example, when I asked it to play BTS songs, it successfully played a track from Spotify.
Conversely, when I tried to control the Chinese version, I was able to play music, check the weather report, and even watch certain videos with less restriction than the global edition. The Chinese version has greater media support, including access to native video content that the global edition lacks due to regional restrictions.
Conclusion
Overall, after using both the Chinese and global versions of the Mi Smart Clock AI speaker, I've concluded that the Chinese version offers considerably more features and a visually richer experience, especially for those who can communicate in Mandarin. While the global version may be sufficient for basic functions and English speakers, it misses out on some of the more advanced capabilities offered by its Chinese counterpart.
If you are someone who frequently interacts with smart home devices, enjoy watching videos, or are fond of music, the Chinese version might be a more suitable choice — as long as you are comfortable with the language.
Keywords
- Mi Smart Clock
- AI Speaker
- Google Assistant
- Chinese Version
- Unboxing
- User Interface
- Boot-Up Comparison
- Functionality
- Features
- Media Access
FAQ
What is the main difference between the global Mi Smart Clock and the Chinese version?
The primary difference lies in the software integration: the global version utilizes Google Assistant, while the Chinese version is powered by Xiaomi’s Xiao I system. The Chinese version also offers more media services and a richer user interface.
Can the global Mi Smart Clock play music?
Yes, the global version can play music through voice commands using services like Spotify.
What languages does the Chinese Mi Smart Clock support?
The Chinese version primarily operates in Mandarin and does not support English speakers natively.
Which version is better for someone who speaks English?
For English-speaking users, the global version may be more suitable, as it operates entirely in English with Google Assistant.
Are there any region restrictions with the Chinese version?
The Chinese version allows more media access but may still have regional restrictions depending on content providers and app services.