Xiaomi to release Mi Band 3 at an event in Shenzhen by end May

Xiaomi is preparing to introduce new devices at an event in Shenzhen later this month. It is very likely this is when Mi Band 3 will become official, alongside the company’s new flagship smartphone.

Xiaomi’s global spokesperson Donovan Sung confirmed their annual event in Shenzen will see new product announcements, though he did not provide any more details. Earlier, a poster appeared on popular Chinese social network Weibo claiming the event will be held on May 23rd. The annual gathering is Xiaomi’s most important product launch event of the year.

We’ve already seen a glimpse of the upcoming Mi Band 3 fitness tracker. According to a recent tweet from Xiaomi, the third generation tracker comes without a physical button – indicating it is likely to come with a touch-screen display.

Xiaomi CEO, Lei Jen was also spotted last month at an event in China with the new Xiaomi Black Shark smartphone. But the picture also reveals a mystery, not-yet-seen fitness tracker on his wrist. Speculation is rife that he was wearing the Mi Band 3.

Other sources have confirmed the launch of one of the most highly anticipated wearables of this year is around the corner. This includes Huami CEO, Huang Wang.

“Xiaomi is Huami’s second-largest shareholder and Huami will make good use of Xiaomi’s platform and resources,” he said talking about Huami’s partnership with Xiaomi at a press conference in China last month (loosely translated from Chinese).

“This year, there will surely be a Mi Band 3 [and this] follow-up will [be developed] more in-depth cooperation with Xiaomi.”

Essential reading: Wearables that won’t break the bank

Many of us are waiting for a sequel to the Xiaomi Mi Band 2. Released nearly two years ago, this is one of the most popular wearables at the lower end of the budget fitness category. The activity band is proof that activity tracking does not need to be expensive.

While not as comprehensive as some of the other options out there, Mi Band gets the basics right and with its lightweight, slick design, looks good enough to wear during the day, in the office or for an evening function. The addition of an OLED display last time around makes a big difference and means you are not tied to your phone to check on progress. But an update is long overdue.

In March, known tipster Roland Quandt‏ spotted Mi Band 3 going through Bluetooth certification. The actual details do not reveal very much but they do confirm that the wearable is in the works. The model number is XMSH05HM and the fitness band comes with Bluetooth 4.2 certification. It will be manufactured under the Huami brand.

The previous generation device tracks steps, distance, calories and sleep, and has a battery that lasts 20 days between charges. With an IP67 water-resistance rating, it is splash-proof. The tracker uses a light-based PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor to measure your body’s blood flow. The heart rate sensor can be used on demand, such as while running or monitoring your sleep patterns.

The latest pictures show a slightly different design. The glass surface has been extended indicating a larger OLED display and the glass now bends over at its sides. Our best guess is that Mi Band 3 will receive a bumped up water-resistance rating and perhaps have the ability to track swim sessions. Also, the heart-rate measurements will likely be upgraded. Something that takes measurements every few seconds rather than on-demand would be much more useful. Finally, expect to be impressed by battery life again, and of course the low price!

The launch date can’t be too far off now. We were hoping for an update last year but better late then never. Xiaomi is also expected to use the Shenzhen event to release the highly anticipated Mi 7 alongside company’s 8th anniversary edition smartphone.

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