Building on a global distribution strategy, The Weather Channel said it has struck a deal to deliver weather forecasts and info across Xiaomi’s Android devices, including smartphones and tablets.
The deal, which displaces Accuweather and centers on The Weather Channel’s API, gives The Weather Channel key distribution with China-based Xiaomi, the world’s third-largest maker of smartphones. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Xiaomi will provide weather data, along with content, branding and links from The Weather Channel via its weather widget across all Android devices outside of China.
Xiaomi, which is trying to make a push into the U.S. market, is second only to Apple in China with respect to smartphone market share. On a global basis, its smartphone share trails only Apple and Samsung.
“Xiaomi is one of the hottest mobile companies on the planet right now, selling thousands of Android devices in seconds online through its ecommerce model,” said David Kenny, chairman and CEO of The Weather Company, in a statement. “Working with Xiaomi is essential to our global growth plans as we look to provide the most precise and useful weather to users anywhere in the world.”
“We are always seeking to provide a great user experience on MIUI,” added Donovan Sung, director of product management, Xiaomi Global, referring to the company’s user interface. “Working with The Weather Channel allows us to give global Mi phone users the weather information they need while on the go.”
