Xiaomi WiFi Router Adds Smart Home Solution BroadLink

Xiaomi smart WiFi router announced today a third version for beta testers. The new one has integrated a smart home solution provided by BroadLink, according to its website, that Xiaomi router users will be able to, through mobile apps, remotely control their home appliances, check energy consumption or check in on pets or kids at home via a camera.

BroadLink started with products that enable users to control infrared devices with mobile apps through your home WiFi network. Then the company began developing WiFi solutions for some Chinese home appliance manufacturers. Its products are sold both in China and overseas.

Smart WiFi router is one of the hottest products Chinese tech companies are working on. Apart from Xiaomi, many Internet service providers, such as Qihoo 360, Shanda and Xunlei, have launched their own. HiWiFi, one of the earliest of this kind, has attracted investment from some prominent investors.

Liu Zongru, founder of BroadLink, once told me that he thought Xiaomi might win out in the end considering its well-established software ecosystem and hardware product line.

For the sake of the sales of its hardware products, BroadLink introduced funding from JD.com, one of the largest online retailers in China. Liu said that was for “a dedicated partnership”. It is rumored that Xiaomi may invest in BroadLink too.