Beijing, CHINA, February 19, 2024 – Xiaomi, one of the world’s leading smartphone
companies, and Leica Camera AG jointly announced the establishment of the Xiaomi
x Leica Optical Institute. The establishment of this institute marks a significant
milestone in the smartphone industry. With optical technology at its core, this
institute is poised to unite an array of integrated interdisciplinary sciences, including
digital imaging and AI technologies.
The Xiaomi x Leica Optical Institute, building upon its initial groundwork, is
collaboratively developing a groundbreaking industry standard for optical
performance in mobile devices, raising the bar both in terms of technology and user
experience. This initiative places a strong emphasis on philosophy, technology, and
user experience. Xiaomi 14 Ultra, a new flagship in mobile imaging, will serve as the
first milestone in the practical evolution of this standard and is set to deliver
unparalleled optical performance in the field of mobile imaging, with a scheduled
release this month.
The Xiaomi x Leica Optical Institute will continuously promote deep innovation in
mobile imaging optical technology, aiming to create an advanced mobile imaging
optical system in this era of mobile photography. Leveraging the core strengths of
both Leica and Xiaomi, the institute focuses on four major technical factors:
designing ultra-precision optical lenses in a compact form factor, achieving ideal
performance in computational photography, upholding the strictest optical standards
for lenses, and conducting research and application of cutting-edge optoelectronic
technology.
To achieve this goal, Xiaomi and Leica have invested significant resources and
assembled a joint team of over 200 experts. Peter Karbe, the legendary optical
designer behind the fourth-generation lenses from Leica including iconic designs like
Noctilux and the APO series, will serve as Optical Expert. Zeng Xuezong, Senior
Vice President of Xiaomi Group and President of the Xiaomi Mobile Phone
Department, will serve as the Director. Yi Yan, Head of Xiaomi Group’s Software
Technical Team, and Wang Xuanran, General Manager of Xiaomi Camera
Department, will serve as Deputy Directors.
Xiaomi provides robust R&D resource support for the Institute. Currently, three major
laboratories are planned in Beijing, with focuses on Camera Hardware, Imaging, and
Objective and Subjective Image Quality Evaluation. Covering a total area of 2644m²,
these will be amongst the best, largest, and most automated camera laboratories.
Partner and President of Xiaomi Group, William Lu, stated: “For over a hundred
years, Leica has been committed to creating world-class optical lenses, representing
the epitome of intricate optical engineering design and exquisite manufacturing
craftsmanship. Xiaomi believes that ‘light is the foundation of imagery’ and is the
kernel and cornerstone of ‘giving reality a sense of depth.’ Through the Xiaomi x
Leica Optical Institute, we will further leverage the respective strengths of both
parties, continuously extend the boundaries of mobile imaging optical capabilities,
and consistently lead the way in the mobile imaging era.”
Matthias Harsch, CEO of Leica Camera AG, expressed, “Our partnership with
Xiaomi over the past two years has been truly remarkable. Together, we’ve
successfully integrated the iconic Leica photography experience into the world of
mobile imaging, exemplified by our co-engineered Leica Summilux optical lenses.
The optical system within Xiaomi 14 Ultra represents our latest collaborative
landmark, destined to lead the next generation of mobile optical imaging as the top
Summilux lenses in mobile to date. With a legacy that spans over a century, Optics
embody the technical legacy of Leica. Through the establishment of the Xiaomi x
Leica Optical Institute, we are poised to bring together top-tier teams from both sides
within the field of optics. Together, we are dedicated to spearheading a new era in
mobile imaging optics, pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging and forging an
advanced mobile imaging optical system tailored to our contemporary era.”
END
About Xiaomi Corporation
Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018. Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and
smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by
an IoT platform at its core.
Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the
users’ hearts”, Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user
experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing
products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through
innovative technology.
Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone companies. In September 2023,
MAU of MIUI reached approximately 623 million globally. The company has also
established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, reached
approximately 699 million smart devices connected to its platform (excluding
smartphones, laptops and tablets) as of September 30, 2023. Xiaomi products are
present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In August 2023,
Xiaomi was included in the Fortune Global 500 list for the fifth year in a row, ranking
360th.
Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index,
Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index.
