CHINA BRIEF | Xiaomi users to control Nio’s cars from their smartwatches

Chinese electric vehicle startup Nio has established a partnership with electronics manufacturer Xiaomi to launch an exclusive app on Xiaomi’s smartwatches, which allows these devices to control Nio’s vehicles remotely, local media 36Kr reported on Monday.

The app is already available on the Xiaomi smartwatch app store, Nio said in a statement.

Users will be able to check their vehicles’ real-time conditions including the remaining distance range, battery life, and tire’s pressure. Also, drivers will be able to unlock their car’s doors and windows, and turn on the air conditioning via the app.

The app will also help users to locate their vehicles in parking lots by activating the car’s lights and horn.

The new Xiaomi smartwatch-based app is compatible with all Nio’s models currently on sale. It is expected to support more intelligent functions including near-field communication (NFC) in the future, according to local media Sina Tech News.

36Kr is KrASIA’s parent company.

This article is part of KrASIA’s “China Brief” section, where KrASIA’s reporters will provide quick daily updates about the tech ecosystem in China.