Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (a.ok.a. the Xiaomi Good Band 8 in Europe) has an extremely lengthy record of options contemplating it prices beneath $50, which we presently advocate for finances buyers in our greatest health tracker information. Yearly the subsequent Mi Band arrives bringing additional refinements to the sequence, usually delivering options beforehand reserved for rather more costly gadgets. Though we nonetheless have loads of time earlier than a brand new mannequin, right here’s my wishlist for what I’d wish to see subsequent yr from the Xiaomi Mi Band 9.
A {hardware} again button
The Mi Band 8’s whole UI is navigated via contact, which is usually a bit difficult with such a small show. I’d wager that is principally about slicing prices, nevertheless it’s additionally possible not less than a bit of bit about sticking with the Mi Band’s very barebones, minimalist philosophy. Nonetheless, a bodily again button would make navigating the UI considerably simpler, even when it would add a tiny little bit of bulk over the present mannequin and would muddle up the design barely.
NFC shouldn’t be reserved only for China
The Chinese language model of the Mi Band 8 consists of NFC for cellular funds, which is a primary for the corporate’s finances tracker. The band presently works with AliPay and WeChat Pay. That’s nice, however what in regards to the worldwide model? Xiaomi has opted to not embody the characteristic in any respect. It might be good to see the Mi Band 9 convey this characteristic to all variations, particularly for the reason that Chinese language model’s cost providers are already accessible in different nations all through Europe and Asia.
GPS can be good too
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Xiaomi Mi Band 7
NFC is without doubt one of the most sought-after options for the Mi Band, proper subsequent to GPS, I’d wager. Whereas the Mi Band 8 can use your cellphone’s GPS, built-in GPS continues to be one of many Mi Band’s largest lacking options. The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 ought to lastly rectify this and provide GPS baked-in.
Now I do know what you’re considering: wouldn’t that drive the worth tag above $50? Sure, and that might be a deal breaker for some, however one easy resolution can be to supply a GPS variant and a less expensive base mannequin. This may appear pointless since there’s already a Mi Band Professional sequence, however these trackers are usually a bit nearer to an entry smartwatch than a health tracker. A few of us need one thing small and inexpensive just like the Mi Band 8 however are prepared to pay a tad extra for helpful extras.
The Mi Health app may nonetheless use some UI enhancements and higher information integration
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Mi Health (previously Xiaomi Put on)
The Mi Band’s largest weak point has at all times been software program and sadly, that’s nonetheless the case in the present day.
Previously, the corporate supplied two official apps, each with completely different UIs and have units; this was greater than a bit of complicated. The Mi Band 8 is simply suitable with the Mi Health app and that’s it, because the Mi Band doesn’t work with third occasion apps both. The restricted help wouldn’t matter a lot if the official app had a UI that labored in addition to Fitbit and others, however that’s simply not the case.
The app lacks plenty of customization choices. For instance, there’s no technique to change from metrics to US/Imperial. It’s additionally a bit buggy, because it’s fairly widespread to have connectivity issues between the app and the watch. Navigating the app isn’t so unhealthy, however there looks like plenty of pointless steps for some options. I understand we will solely anticipate a lot from a health band that’s throughout the impulse-buying worth vary, nevertheless it’s the one factor holding this tracker again from being just about good. If Xiaomi may enhance the app expertise it could have a health band that’s arguably simply pretty much as good as trackers that price double and even triple the worth.
Third-party app help can be even higher
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
As I discussed above, the Mi Band 7 and earlier additionally labored with one other app, referred to as Zepp Life. This app was higher in some methods and had entry to some third-party information syncing choices that the Mi app doesn’t. So what does the Mi Health app help for information syncing? Strava and that’s it. This wouldn’t be so unhealthy if there have been third-party health app help, however you may’t even use one thing like Google Match instead both.
A revamped app would go a great distance, however I may dwell with Mi Health if I may sync my information to and from different apps, or if I may use a third occasion app altogether as a substitute. Whereas I perceive Xiaomi needs to maintain the deal with its ecosystem, it additionally makes the band very irritating to make use of for these outdoors of China. I wish to see this alteration with the Mi Band 9.
Mi Band 9 wishlist: What characteristic would you wish to see essentially the most?
5 votes
Will there be a Mi band 9?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
The Mi Band is without doubt one of the hottest finances trackers and has been a giant success for the corporate. The Mi Band can be one in every of its few merchandise formally launched in america. It’s just about a foregone conclusion that there will likely be a Xiaomi Mi Band 9 sooner or later sooner or later.
As for when? Let’s take a fast have a look at the corporate’s launch historical past. Bear in mind we’re specializing in world launch dates, not the preliminary China-only launches.
- Mi Band 8 — Oct 26, 2023
- Mi Band 7 — June 21, 2022
- Mi Band 6 — April 30, 2021
As you may see, Xiaomi has launched a brand new model of its Band yearly, although the precise world launch month has various considerably. It’s just about a given we’ll see the Mi Band 9 in 2024, although it’s a lot harder to say when it should arrive within the yr, particularly given the Mi Band 8 launched so late. The corporate would possible wish to give not less than near a yr’s house in between fashions, so I’d say we’re more likely to see the Mi Band 9 in late summer season or someday within the fall.
Do you have to look forward to the Mi band 9?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
There’s no want to attend for the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 as a result of the present mannequin isn’t even three months outdated but. There’s possible near 9 months or extra earlier than a successor will likely be launched. The excellent news is that the Mi Band 8 is already the most effective finances trackers, so in case you’re trying to economize, there’s no motive to not choose it up in the present day.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Correct well being and health monitoring • Inexpensive worth level • Distinctive kind issue
As soon as once more, Xiaomi delivers a well-rounded health tracker at an approachable worth.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 options an all-new strap design and the identical vibrant touchscreen show discovered on the earlier era. On the wrist, as a necklace, and even hooked up to a operating shoe, the machine tracks key health stats and provides helpful well being monitoring instruments to customers desirous to control their wellness. It is a highly effective, entry-level tracker at an incredible worth.
If the Mi Band doesn’t impress you, the HUAWEI Band 7 ($41 at Amazon) is a worthwhile different, though it’s a bit tougher to search out within the US. For these looking for one thing with a bit extra oomph, and don’t thoughts paying further for the privilege, we additionally advocate the Fitbit Cost 6 ($159.95 at Amazon).
