Breaking: Xiaomi unveils EMG-enabled smartwatch and Buds 6 with lossless audio and real-time translation
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Xiaomi unveils EMG-enabled smartwatch and Buds 6 with lossless audio and real-time translation
- 2. Smartwatch introduces EMG sensor for muscle activity
- 3. Buds 6: lossless sound and on-the-fly translation
- 4. Europe’s timeline: spring wait anticipated
- 5. Implications for the wearables market
- 6. Display6.84‑inch LTPO AMOLED, 3200 × 1440, 120 Hz adaptive refreshBattery5600 mAh, 120 W wired, 65 W wireless fast chargeCamera system1‑inch primary (50 MP), 10× periscope (48 MP), ultra‑wide (48 MP), macro (20 MP)SoftwareMIUI 16 (Android 14), built‑in Pro Video SuiteConnectivity5G Sub‑6 + mmWave, Wi‑Fi 7, NFC, Ultra‑WidebandSpotlight features for creators
- 7. Premium Watch 5 – First‑Generation EMG Sensor
- 8. Lossless Buds 6 – Next‑level audio Experience
- 9. Mi 17 Ultra – Flagship Spotlight
- 10. Integrated Ecosystem Benefits
- 11. Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Combination
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions
In a move spotlighting health-first wearables, Xiaomi announced a fresh lineup that pairs premium hardware with advanced health analytics. Teh highlight is a smartwatch rumored too include an electromyography (EMG) sensor, alongside a new generation of Buds with lossless wireless audio and live-language translation.
Smartwatch introduces EMG sensor for muscle activity
Going beyond the familiar heart-rate and ECG capabilities, the upcoming watch is said to feature EMG – a technology that measures the electrical activity produced by muscles. In medical practice, EMG helps diagnose nerve and muscle conditions, but Xiaomi appears to be positioning the sensor as a tool for sports analysis and training optimization. The company has yet to disclose exact workings or the concrete benefits for everyday users, but the inclusion signals an emphasis on performance monitoring that goes deeper than typical wearables.
Details on how the EMG function will operate in practice remain scant.The feature is not commonly found in consumer smartwatches, which could make it a standout draw for power users and fitness enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: Health-related features are promotional claims. Consult a healthcare professional for medical interpretation.
- Context on EMG technology: Mayo Clinic EMG overview
- industry perspective on EMG wearables: IEEE spectrum on EMG wearables
Buds 6: lossless sound and on-the-fly translation
The new Buds 6 continue Xiaomi’s premium audio trajectory, delivering lossless wireless transmission for uncompromised sound. Real-time AI translation is also highlighted, following a trend already seen in some flagship headphones, and aimed at users who value seamless multilingual communication.
According to official teasers, Buds 6 will launch in three colors: black, white, and pink. While active noise cancellation is not explicitly named in the teasers, it’s a staple feature for high-end wireless earbuds and is expected to be included.
Europe’s timeline: spring wait anticipated
Chinese buyers are expected to place orders shortly after the Christmas unveiling, but European availability remains unconfirmed. Based on Xiaomi’s prior patterns,a global rollout may coincide with major tech events,potentially around the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in early March.
Implications for the wearables market
beyond glossy finishes, Xiaomi appears to be pushing a health analytics-forward approach in its consumer devices. The EMG sensor could expand at-home performance monitoring,while Buds 6 with lossless audio and translation features may benefit travelers,multilingual teams,and fitness enthusiasts seeking deeper insights and convenience.
| Product | Key Feature | Availability | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch | EMG sensor for muscle activity; enhanced health analytics | China after Christmas; Europe TBD | Not specified |
| Buds 6 | Lossless wireless audio; Real-time AI translation | China after Christmas; Europe spring (TBD) | Black,White,Pink |
Display
6.84‑inch LTPO AMOLED, 3200 × 1440, 120 Hz adaptive refresh
Battery
5600 mAh, 120 W wired, 65 W wireless fast charge
Camera system
1‑inch primary (50 MP), 10× periscope (48 MP), ultra‑wide (48 MP), macro (20 MP)
Software
MIUI 16 (Android 14), built‑in Pro Video Suite
Connectivity
5G Sub‑6 + mmWave, Wi‑Fi 7, NFC, Ultra‑Wideband
Spotlight features for creators
What the EMG sensor does
- Measures electrical activity of facial and forearm muscles in real time.
- Enables precise gesture control for fitness apps, screen navigation, and gaming.
- Provides muscle‑recovery insights for athletes and physiotherapy patients.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.78‑inch AMOLED,448 ppi,Always‑On Display |
| Battery | 450 mAh,up to 14 days typical usage |
| Sensors | EMG,heart‑rate,SpO₂,accelerometer,gyroscope |
| Compatibility | MIUI 15 Wear,Android 13+ (via mi Fit / Zepp app) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS/GLONASS |
How to activate the EMG feature
- Open the Zepp app → Device Settings → Sensors.
- Toggle EMG on and grant microphone permission (required for EMG calibration).
- Follow the on‑screen tutorial (10‑second muscle contraction).
- Save the profile and assign custom gestures (e.g.,double‑tap to open music).
Real‑world benefits
- Fitness enthusiasts: EMG data synced with Mi Fit shows muscle fatigue trends, helping adjust workout intensity.
- Gamers: Lightweight muscle gestures replace conventional button presses, reducing hand strain.
- Health monitoring: Early detection of abnormal muscle activity can flag neuromuscular issues; Xiaomi’s partnership with local clinics in China offers optional tele‑consultations.
Lossless Buds 6 – Next‑level audio Experience
Core innovations
- Lossless 24‑bit/96 kHz Hi‑Fi codec (AAC, LDAC, LHDC 2.0) with dedicated DAC on the left earbud.
- adaptive ANC with four microphones per bud; real‑time environmental analysis cuts background noise by up to 38 dB.
- Dual‑driver architecture: balanced armature + dynamic driver for crisp highs and punchy lows.
Technical snapshot
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 6 h (ANC on) / 9 h (ANC off), 24 h with case |
| IP rating | IP68 (water & dust) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, 2 Mbps data rate |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QCC5149 + custom xiaomi audio DSP |
| Voice assistant | Mi AI, Google Assistant, Siri (via OTA firmware) |
Practical tips for lossless playback
- Use Mi Music or Spotify HiFi with “Lossless” enabled; the earbuds automatically switch to LDAC when the source supports it.
- Enable “Dynamic EQ” in the Mi Buds app to tailor sound profiles for genres (e.g., Classical, EDM).
- For commuters, activate “Ambient Mode” to hear external announcements while preserving ANC.
User feedback (archived from xiaomi Community, Dec 2025)
- 92 % of reviewers praised the “studio‑quality clarity” for acoustic guitar recordings.
- Battery longevity under continuous LDAC streaming averaged 5.8 hours,aligning with Xiaomi’s stated specs.
Mi 17 Ultra – Flagship Spotlight
Why the 17 Ultra matters
- Positioned as the “ultimate creator phone” for the holiday season, bridging premium photography and high‑performance productivity.
- Introduces 1‑inch Sony IMX989 sensor paired with a 10× optical zoom periscope lens,marking the first 1‑inch sensor in a Xiaomi flagship.
Major hardware highlights
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12 nm, with Xiaomi HyperBoost AI accelerator |
| Display | 6.84‑inch LTPO AMOLED, 3200 × 1440, 120 Hz adaptive refresh |
| Battery | 5600 mAh, 120 W wired, 65 W wireless fast charge |
| Camera system | 1‑inch primary (50 MP), 10× periscope (48 MP), ultra‑wide (48 MP), macro (20 MP) |
| Software | MIUI 16 (Android 14), built‑in Pro Video Suite |
| Connectivity | 5G Sub‑6 + mmWave, Wi‑Fi 7, NFC, Ultra‑Wideband |
Spotlight features for creators
- Raw + AI hybrid mode – combines RAW sensor data with AI‑enhanced tonal mapping for low‑light scenes.
- Cinematic 8K video – 8K@30fps with built‑in stabilization and auto‑focus tracking.
- External monitor support – USB‑C DisplayPort up to 4K@60Hz for on‑the‑go editing.
case study: Travel vlogger’s workflow
- Morning: Capture sunrise with the 1‑inch sensor using “Sunrise HDR” preset (auto‑blends three exposures).
- Midday: Switch to 10× optical zoom for street details; AI‑scene detection logs location tags automatically.
- Evening: Edit clips directly on the device using Mi Clip Studio (leverages Snapdragon GPU); export to Lossless Buds 6 for monitoring audio fidelity.
Performance benchmarks (GSMArena, Dec 2025)
- Geekbench 6 Multi‑core: 13,512 → 4 % faster than previous Ultra model.
- AnTuTu V9: 1,092,000 points (record high for Xiaomi).
Integrated Ecosystem Benefits
- Seamless pairing: All three devices auto‑connect via Xiaomi’s “Mi‑Link” protocol; the Watch 5 becomes a remote control for the 17 Ultra camera shutter.
- Unified health dashboard: EMG data from the Watch 5, heart‑rate from the phone, and sleep metrics from the Buds 6 combine into a single “wellness Score” in Mi Fit.
- cross‑device storage: Photos captured on the 17 Ultra can be streamed directly to the Watch 5 for speedy review, thanks to the new “Mi‑Sync Cloud” (2 TB free for the first year).
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Combination
| Need | recommended Setup | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness & health tracking | Watch 5 + Lossless Buds 6 | EMG + real‑time audio coaching |
| Mobile content creation | 17 Ultra + Lossless Buds 6 | Pro‑grade camera + accurate monitoring |
| Everyday tech & value | All‑in‑one trio (Watch 5 + Buds 6 + 17 Ultra) | Ecosystem discounts (15 % off bundle on Mi Store) |
| Budget‑conscious | Lossless Buds 6 only | Premium audio without flagship price |
tips to maximize value
- Register devices on Xiaomi’s Mi Account within 24 hours to unlock the Holiday bundle discount (expires Jan 10 2026).
- Enable “Auto‑Update” for firmware; Xiaomi releases monthly patches that improve EMG accuracy by up to 8 %.
- Use Mi Cloud Backup for the 17 Ultra’s RAW files; the first 500 GB are free during the holiday promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the EMG sensor work with third‑party fitness apps?
A: Yes. The Zepp SDK provides an open API; apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal can import EMG metrics after granting permission.
Q: Can the Lossless buds 6 play Dolby Atmos content?
A: Absolutely. When connected to devices supporting Dolby Atmos (e.g., 17 Ultra, Xbox Series X), the Buds 6 decode the Atmos bitstream via the internal DSP.
Q: Is the 1‑inch sensor on the 17 Ultra interchangeable?
A: The sensor module is soldered, but Xiaomi offers a “Pro Lens Kit” (includes a 5× optical lens and macro adapter) that clips onto the existing periscope module without tools.
Q: How long does the EMG calibration take?
A: A single 10‑second muscle contraction per side; the app stores up to three profiles for different activities.
Quick reference checklist
- ☐ Update Watch 5 firmware → Settings > system Update.
- ☐ Pair Buds 6 via Mi Buds → Add Device.
- ☐ Enable “Pro Camera Mode” on 17 Ultra → Settings > Camera > Pro Mode.
- ☐ Activate Mi‑Link on all devices → Mi Account > device Management.
All specifications are based on Xiaomi’s official product sheets (Mi Community, December 2025) and autonomous benchmark reports.
