Uber is one of the most popular car-hailing apps in China, but is now gaining a poor reputation. (Photo : Reuters )
Ride-sharing company Uber was recently tapped by Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi to deliver phones to its customers. Uber announced that it will deliver the company's newest smartphone, Mi Note, to users within Singapore and Malaysia.
Xiaomi global head Hugo Barra said in a Facebook announcement that the Uber-Xiaomi delivery tie-up will start on July 27. Barra, explaining how the system works, said, "Ordering a Mi Note follows the exact same process as calling for an Uber - you simply open the Uber app, use the slider at the bottom to select Xiaomi and hit request."
Barra added that payment for the purchased smartphone will be charged into the card tied to the user's Uber account. Delivery of the ordered phone will be in a matter of few minutes.
Many analysts said that Xiaomi's expansion to the global market has been extensive. Recently, the company launched in Brazil and marked its first market outside of Asia, according to ReCode. Additionally, Barra previously said that the company is currently stacking up its portfolio in order to back-up its long-term goal of entering other markets especially the Unites States.
On the other hand, Uber is busy experimenting with delivering different type of goods and products using its wide network of drivers. This is the company's way of expanding its own market outside of the regular ride-sharing service which is currently facing several hurdles from different transport company and several regulatory bodies.
Early in 2015, Xiaomi took Uber's place as the most valuable startup in the world. Interestingly, this is the first time both companies agreed to form a partnership, according to Fast Company.
