Hoverboard made in China? Xiaomi joins the 'Back to the Future' nostalgia with its 'Ninebot mini'
"Back to the Future" nostalgia continues to trend because every fan of the trilogy was excited to compare how Marty McFly, the character Michael J. Fox was known for, went back to the future on October 21, 2015 and was amazed by how much technology has changed from 1989 to 2015. While most of the predictions were pretty spot on, like 3D, biometric scan, and flat screen TVs, some were just made to tickle our fantasies, like flying cars, self-lacing shoes, and the hoverboards. However, it looks like the Chinese company Xiaomi will not let people and fans down as it announced the addition of a Xiaomi hoverboard, a self-balancing scooter, to its latest gadget lineup.
Tech Crunch reports that the Beijing-based company wants to provide a diverse selection of consumer hardware for everyone to enjoy. Known for its affordable Android-operated smartphones, Xiaomi rose to popularity among techie people because of how great the performance, battery life, and camera shots of its cheap mobile phones. Furthermore, the array of products, ranging from air purifiers to health trackers, made people curious as to what they can still offer.
Also, the scooter will be the first mobility device the company will release under it's portfolio company Ninebot, who happens to have acquired Segway last April. Called the Ninebot mini, this scooter will not have any handle but will be maneuvered through the movement of the legs, just like how a skateboard or hoverboard in "Back to the Future" works. Best of all, Xiaomi made it accessible by an Android app, making the user's smartphone a literal controller for the device.
For only $315, users can feel as if they are riding the futuristic hoverboard, Engadget writes. But, don't be deceived by the price as the Ninebot mini packs with great features as well. Weighing at 28 pounds, it can move up to 10 mph, go up a 15-degree hill and last up to 22 km with one charge. Durability and portability are not a problem as it can fit the trunk of any car.
Furthermore, the a software upgrade can help riders monitor how fast they are going, the traffic around them, and it can make you go from one place to another easily and safely. The Ninebot mini will be released in China on November 3rd although no confirmation nor details yet if they will be distributed worldwide. But, as the French website of Ninebot has been updated to inform the public of its availability, it might be sold in Europe as well.
Besides the Ninebot mini, Xiaomi will also release a smart-TV, Mi TV 3, which will be powered by Android and will have a 4K 60-inch display from LG, The Verge adds. With the variety of gadgets coming from Xiaomi today, maybe founder Lei Jun is also a fan of the "Back to the Future" trilogy and just wishes, like anyone else, to fulfill their childhood fantasy.