Xiaomi recently launched its newest flagship phone, Mi Mix 4 in China. But not long after its launch, Xiaomi had to eliminate one of the flagship features of the Mi Mix 4 after being asked by the Chinese government.
The feature that is omitted is the anti-theft feature. This feature allows the user to find his lost phone even if the SIM card has been removed, and for added security the device will not allow anyone else to insert the SIM card without the owner's knowledge.
During the Mi Mix 4 launch event last week, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun said this anti-theft feature works by utilizing a virtual SIM or eSIM which allows the phone to stay connected to the internet even if the physical SIM card is removed.
"We have also carefully created many functions to improve the product experience, such as privacy protection. Xiaomi as a company has always paid special attention to privacy protection for users," Lei said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post, Wednesday (18/8). /2021).
In its official statement on Weibo, Xiaomi said this feature had to be removed because it had not received approval from the regulator and did not comply with the relevant rules.
Xiaomi added that this technology has not been approved for use in products such as mobile phones. Xiaomi later apologized to users after removing the anti-theft feature from the Mi Mix 4.
This decision further emphasizes the Chinese government's strong influence over local technology companies. Recently, the Chinese government has become increasingly strict in controlling local technology companies by implementing new anti-monopoly, data security, and privacy regulations.
Mi Mix 4 itself was launched with the latest flagship specifications and features. This is the first Xiaomi phone to use a front camera hidden under the screen.
This phone relies on the latest flagship chipset Snapdragon 888+ and carries three rear cameras. The Mi MIx 4 will go on sale in China on August 16 with a starting price of 4,999 yuan, and the most expensive 6,299 yuan.