Uber to deliver Xiaomi smartphones in Singapore and Malaysia

[BEIJING] Uber Technologies said on Thursday it would deliver Xiaomi's new flagship handset, the Mi Note, to buyers in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in a tie-up that showcases its ambitious expansion into the same-day delivery business.

The San Francisco-based firm has been valued at US$50 billion by private investors on the assumption that it could turn its hundreds of thousands of active drivers into a delivery fleet that not only transports passengers but also goods.

But in the United States, at least, the company has encountered stiff competition from startup rivals like Postmates and e-tailing giants like Amazon Inc.

As part of the Southeast Asian partnership, Uber users will be able to buy the new Mi Note using the Uber app on July 27, one day before it goes on sale on Xiaomi's website. The purchase will be charged on the user's Uber account and the handset will be delivered shortly thereafter to his or her physical location.

For Xiaomi, a company renowned for its marketing savvy, the partnership could generate more buzz for a product launch at a time when it is looking to expand rapidly into markets like Southeast Asia and India.

REUTERS