Xiaomi might release a couple of Linux-powered laptops next year

Xiaomi, a privately owned Chinese electronics manufacturer and currently the world’s fourth largest smartphone maker, has been reported to be working on its first laptop line release, which is due to be unveiled next year. According to a press release by Inventec, it is currently collaborating with Xiaomi to produce two laptops, which would be introduced under the Xiaomi brand. The laptops are reportedly scheduled for an early 2016 release. Richard Lee, Inventec chairman, confirmed the collaboration last month, during the 12th Cross-Taiwan Strait conference, where the standards for IT were discussed. Moreover, Lee revealed that Xiaomi is banking on its 200 million customers and plans to ship the laptop units some time within the first half of 2016 in hopes that the current Xiaomi device users will buy its new laptops. “At least they will create a different look for their laptops, just like their smartphones,” said Lee in reference to Xiaomi’s line of midrange handhelds that he claims are stylish and made up of premium components. Inventec Appliance Corp., an Inventec Corp. subsidiary, assembled more than 30 million handsets for its Chinese partner.