Xiaomi and Microsoft have agreed to deepen their cooperation around cloud computing, AI and hardware, in order to make Xiaomi's products and services better fit global market.

The two companies signed a Strategic Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further deepen their partnership.

Dr. Harry Shum, executive vice president of Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence and Research Group said, "Xiaomi is one of the most innovative companies in China, and it is becoming increasingly popular in various markets around the world. Microsoft's unique strengths and experience in AI, as well as our products like Azure, will enable Xiaomi to develop more cutting-edge technology for everyone around the world."

Xiaomi is in the process of expanding its user base in global market. Based on the strategic MoU, Xiaomi and Microsoft will explore utilizing Microsoft Azure cloud platform to support Xiaomi's user data storage, bandwidth, computing and other cloud services in international markets.

Xiaomi will also leverage Microsoft's support on joint marketing, channel support, and future product development for Xiaomi's laptop and laptop-type devices to penetrate international markets.

Both companies are also discussing opportunities to integrate Cortana with Mi AI Speaker. Senior executives from both parties are involved to drive deeper technology integration and collaboration for AI-powered speakers, a market segment projected to grow rapidly in the next few years.

Xiaomi and Microsoft also intend to explore multiple cooperative projects based on a broad range of Microsoft AI technologies, such as Computer Vision, Speech, Natural Language Processing, Text Input, Conversational AI, Knowledge Graph and Search, as well as related Microsoft AI products and services, such as Bing, Edge, Cortana, XiaoIce, SwiftKey, Translator, Pix, Cognitive Services and Skype.

since 2015, Xiaomi has adopted Microsoft Azure operated by 21Vianet in China to run its Mi Cloud service for smartphone users; in June 2016, the two companies reached a global-scale partnership, and Xiaomi began to pre-install Microsoft Office and Skype apps on its Android-based smartphones and tablets; at the same time, Microsoft and Xiaomi also reached intellectual property agreements, to help Xiaomi's product go global compliantly.