On July 26, 2017, Xiaomi officially launched its AI speaker, "Xiaomi Little Love Classmate," priced at 299 yuan. This marks Xiaomi's debut into the AI smart speaker market. Three years prior, Xiaomi established an acoustic lab to focus on developing products like TV speakers and Bluetooth speakers. This year, Xiaomi TV and Xiaomi Brain introduced the world's first AI voice-enabled smart TV. The "Little Love Classmate" combines Xiaomi's accumulated expertise in audio technology and artificial intelligence.
*Image: Xiaomi AI Speaker*
On August 22, Xiaomi held a small-scale media event to introduce this AI speaker and released the first batch of media testers. Zhongguancun Online also received one of the first Xiaomi AI speakers. Let's explore it together. At the end of this article, you'll find a short video of the "Little Love Classmate."
**Appearance Experience: Compact Design**
The Xiaomi AI speaker retains Xiaomi's minimalist and fresh design style. Entirely white, the speaker has a sleek, compact form factor. Standing at 21.16 cm tall with a width and depth of 8.8 cm, it weighs just 636 grams.
*Image: Top Touch Panel*
The top of the speaker features a full touch button panel, including play/pause, fast forward/rewind, mute microphone, and channel configuration switches. The circular recessed surface allows users to adjust the volume via a touch ring. Hidden within the touchpad are six groups of high-precision digital microphones arranged in a circular array, enabling 360-degree sound reception and output.
*Image: Power Connector*
The bottom of the speaker has a non-slip rubber mat to prevent scratches and potential dust accumulation. The power connector is located in a groove at the base, providing cable management and stability.
**Appearance Summary:**
Overall, the AI speaker fits well with Xiaomi's design philosophy. Its simple, compact form is appealing to a broad audience. However, the design closely resembles the Xiaomi air purifier, making it look like a miniaturized version of the latter. Xiaomi could diversify its product aesthetics further.
**Usage Experience: Life's Little Assistant**
To use the Xiaomi AI speaker, start by connecting it to your smartphone via the Xiaomi AI app. You can either scan a QR code or search for the app in the app store. Once connected, follow the prompts to link the speaker to Wi-Fi. Bluetooth functionality is also available as a backup option.
*Image: Download the App*
"Xiaoai Classmate," the AI assistant, learns user preferences over time. For instance, if you ask to listen to music, it will suggest songs based on your preferences. If you mention going home, it will check traffic conditions and provide estimated travel times, along with reminders about driving restrictions. Through these interactions, Xiaoai Classmate gains insights into your habits and offers personalized services.
**Content Experience: A Rich Media Hub**
The Xiaomi AI speaker integrates content from major providers like Himalaya, Litchi FM, Handan FM, and others, offering a vast library of online music, storytelling, children's tales, radio broadcasts, and more. Additionally, it supports learning functionalities and can be customized with specific responses to questions. Whether you're looking for entertainment or education, the "Little Love Classmate" can cater to your needs.
**Sound Quality Experience: Targeting the Entry-Level Market**
For a speaker, sound quality remains crucial, even if the device excels in smart functionality and content. The Xiaomi AI speaker employs sound reflection cone and acoustic waveguide technologies for 360-degree coverage. It features a 2.25-inch full-range speaker with a 0.4L bass cavity, covering a frequency range of 60Hz to 18kHz.
**Low-Frequency Performance:**
Tracks like "Fishou" by Tsai Chin reveal that the bass isn't particularly strong, though the vocals remain clear. While the low-frequency response is decent, it lacks depth.
**Mid-Frequency Performance:**
In tracks like "The Girl of Takasaka Castle," the vocal performance shines, with distinct layers and clarity. The midrange is solid, enhancing the listening experience.
**High-Frequency Performance:**
Songs like "Like You" highlight the speaker's slightly underwhelming high-frequency reproduction, which can sound somewhat harsh. However, the balance between mid and high frequencies prevents significant distortion.
**Summary of Sound Quality:**
While the Xiaomi AI speaker performs adequately in general, it falls short in delivering exceptional sound quality. Given its focus on smart interaction, there's still room for improvement in core audio performance.
**Intelligent Experience: Leveraging the Xiaomi Ecosystem**
One standout feature of the Xiaomi AI speaker is its integration with the Xiaomi smart home ecosystem. By connecting to the Mi Home app, users can control various smart home devices like air purifiers and smart lights via voice commands. During our tests, controlling a second-generation Xiaomi air purifier and a smart desk lamp was seamless and intuitive.
*Image: Controlling Smart Devices*
The ability to integrate with numerous Xiaomi and partner products showcases the ecosystem's strength. Currently, Xiaomi has over 60 million smart home devices, and this speaker serves as a pivotal tool for seamless connectivity.
**Conclusion: A Gateway to Smart Living**
While the Xiaomi AI speaker may not excel in sound quality, its primary purpose lies in facilitating smart home integration. At 299 yuan, it represents an affordable entry point into the world of smart living. Xiaomi's ecosystem approach ensures that the speaker plays a critical role in connecting and managing smart devices. Thus, despite its limitations, the Xiaomi AI speaker proves to be a valuable addition to the smart home landscape.
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