Xiaomi
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| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Type | Public |
| Industry | Consumer Electronics Computer Hardware Automotive |
| Official website | https://www.mi.com/ |
Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Beijing, China. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and electric vehicles. As of 2021, it is the second largest phone manufacturer in the world.[1]
Controversies
Kernel disclosure issues
Main Article: Xiaomi's disclosure of kernel sources
Although Xiaomi's devices run on an operating system based on the Linux kernel, which is licensed under GPLv2, the company does not disclose all of their operating system source code on GitHub, as required by GPL terms.
Unlocking restrictions
Main article: Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure
Phones manufactured come with an unlockable bootloader, however the unlocking process is heavily restricted.
Certain repairs require an authorized service Mi Account.
For devices with a broken bootloader, recovery typically involves reflashing firmware through Emergency Download (EDL) mode (for Qualcomm-based devices) or Download Mode (for MediaTek-based devices). While Qualcomm and MediaTek provide software for these modes, they are only distributed internally to repair centers. However, open-source alternatives exist that can perform similar functions.
Despite this, Xiaomi has implemented additional restrictions by requiring online authentication, which is exclusively provided to authorized repair centers. This prevents users from restoring their own devices in cases of severe software failure.[2]
Electric vehicle conditional serialization
Owners of the electric vehicle Xiaomi SU7 report authentication errors after replacing parts such as headlights. Officials have said the Xiaomi SU7 can not complete over the air software updates unless upgradeable parts have Xiaomi approved identification keys.[3][4]
Advertisements in system apps
Xiaomi devices come with several pre-installed first-party apps that contain advertisements, including full-screen deceptive scareware ads urging users to install malware. Workarounds exist to disable ads in some apps, including Mi File Explorer, Mi Browser, MIUI Downloads, MIUI Security, Mi Music, Mi Video and MIUI Themes.[5]
Most of the aforementioned apps can be substituted for FOSS alternatives, but they cannot be uninstalled without advanced methods such as ADB.
References
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/xiaomi-overtakes-apple-as-the-worlds-number-two-smartphone-maker/
- ↑ https://www.xda-developers.com/xiaomi-edl-unbrick-authorized-mi-accounts/
- ↑ https://carnewschina.com/2024/08/08/xiaomi-su7-cannot-do-ota-due-to-changed-lights-and-owners-worry-about-flooding-their-frunk/
- ↑ https://news.mydrivers.com/1/996/996066.htm
- ↑ https://c.mi.com/bd/post/10086