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The folks at Xiaomi got their start by offering custom smartphone ROMs that offered a unique spin on the Android operating system. Since then, the company’s started selling its own phones, as well as set-top-boxes.
So what’s next for the Chinese device and software company? Tablets seem like an obvious choice.
Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web.
- Rumor: Xiaomi Mi Pad 7 inch tablet coming August 16th for $160?
Chinese software and device maker Xiaomi has made a name for itself by putting its Android-based MIUI software on high quality devices at low prices. Now it looks like the first Xiaomi tablet could be on the way. [GizChina] - Nokia may be working on a Windows Phone 8 handset with a Snapdragon 800 CPU
There’s evidence that Nokia’s working on a next-gen smartphone featuring Qualcomm’s upcoming chip with blazing-fast graphics. [TechTastic] - Apple’s iPad mini success could lead to more 8″ tablets
On the one hand, this prediction makes a lot of sense. Apple is having success in the 7 inch space, so we may see more Android tablet makers offering similarly-sized tablets. On the other hand, it’s not like anyone but Apple’s had a lot of success in the 9.7 inch tablet space. What works for Apple doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else. [CNET] - Turn a Raspberry Pi into a media center with Element14’s $50 XBMC Bundle
Want to turn a Raspberry Pi into a cheap media center PC? All you need is the Raspbmc operating system which lets you run XBMC, an HDMI cable, an Ethernet cable, maybe a wireless remote… or you could just buy a $50 kit that gives you everything you need. [Element14] - Improving WiFi performance on the MK802 IV Android TV stick
Rikomagic’s MK802 IV is a small device that lets you run Android apps on a TV. It has a speedy RK3188 quad-core processor, but could get better WiFi reception… now the company is recommending users crack open the case, move the antenna, and upgrade the firmware to improve WiFi performance. [Rikomagic] - NEC Terrain rugged QWERTY Android phone coming to AT&T for $99
Touchscreen smartphones may be the norm these days, but some folks still prefer a device with a QWERTY keyboard below the screen. Here’s one. Oh yeah, it’s rugged too. [Android Police] - OpenMandriva Lx Alpha is now available (Linux distro)
Hey look, it’s a new community-supported GNU/Linux operating system with KDE 4.10, Linux kernel 3.8.12, and more. [OpenMandriva] - The missing B&N NOOK apps for PC, Mac return
Recently Barnes & Noble stopped offering NOOK apps for reading eBooks on a PC or Mac. Now they’re back. Go figure. [The Digital Reader] - Pico-ITX board with Freescale i.MX6 processor should make a nice Android/Linux mini PC
This tiny board supports Freescale’s ARM Cortex-A9 single, dual, or quad-core processors, offers a nice range of input and output options, and should fit into any PC case that can handle a Pico ITX board. There’s no word on price though. [CNX Software]
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That MI Pad looks really interesting in that the company is coming at it from the software side first.
I’ve said before that the clever hardware design should be coupled with a good Android build, and it looks like this may be what’s happening here.
I also like how the Rikomagic folks are throwing some more support to their customers.
Very cool stuff!