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Tech & Science
Xiaomi introduces the Clip, lightweight clip-on earbuds featuring AI translation for 21 languages, Bluetooth 5.4, and up to 38 hours battery life with the case.
Priced at $125 in China, Xiaomi has unveiled the Clip, its first clip-on earbuds that weigh 5.5 grams each and include AI-powered translation across 21 languages. The earbuds feature an 11mm driver with a frequency response from 20Hz to 48kHz and support AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs, a high-resolution audio format comparable to Sony's LDAC.
The Xiaomi Clip sports a semi-transparent housing and is available in white, black, gold, and purple. Connectivity is provided via Bluetooth 5.4, and the earbuds offer 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, extendable to 38 hours using the charging case. Xiaomi asserts an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, although this has not been independently verified; the company's previous OpenWear Stereo earbuds have an IP54 rating.
A key feature of the Clip is its real-time translation capability powered by Xiaomi's Xiao AI assistant. This function supports 21 languages and is integrated directly into the earbuds. However, the effectiveness of the translation outside Xiaomi’s HyperOS ecosystem remains uncertain. The earbuds also support dual-device switching and are confirmed compatible with Apple devices, though iPhone users may not experience the full Xiao AI functionality.
The Xiaomi Clip launched in China on May 21, but no official retail prices or release dates have been announced for the UK or US markets. Xiaomi distributes its audio products through Amazon UK, suggesting the Clip may appear there eventually, though no timeline is provided. The Chinese launch price roughly converts to £100, but import duties and retailer margins could increase the cost in other regions.
Positioned between budget open-ear models and premium offerings like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds priced around $300, the Xiaomi Clip aims to fill a niche with advanced features at a mid-range price point. Whether this translates into a competitive option in Western markets depends on pricing and availability details yet to be disclosed by Xiaomi.
