Xiaomi’s new tablet can turn itself into a Transformer robot

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Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi in collaboration with American toy manufacturer Hasbro is launching a new crowd-funded toy version of their Mi Pad that can convert into a Transformer robot.

Codenamed Soundwave, it basically looks like the Mi Pad 2 that turns itself into a Transformer like bot. Soundwave, which is being produced in honour of Xiaomi’s sixth anniversary on April 6 is primarily made for Xiaomi fans in China.

“R&D worked really hard to ensure that the colour, details, and feel are exactly the same as Mi Pad 2. They were challenged at turning such a slim 7mm tablet into a 3D robot, but they managed to do so with a 30-step folding assembly”, said Hugo Barra, Global Vice President of Xiaomi in a Facebook post.

Xiaomi says the Mi Pad 2 is lighter and thinner than the first-generation Mi Pad. The original Mi Pad 2 comes with a 7.9-inch display with a 2048 x 1536 resolution, a 2.24GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor coupled with 2 GB of RAM, and 16GB or 64GB of internal storage. The device also comes with a 6190mAh battery that the company claims offers 649 hours of standby time and comes with support for fast-charging technology.

On the camera front, the tablet features an 8-megapixel rear camera along with a 5-megapixel front facing camera. Further, on the connectivity front, the Mi Pad 2 includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the latest USB Type C connectivity. However, it has no support for 4G LTE or GPS.

The device is also going for $199.99 and runs on Windows OS, which allows you to install Office software and use the tablet just like you would a laptop or desktop.

“It is very convenient, because your way of work on the tablet will be similar to the work on the computer,” says Xiaomi.

“Mi Pad 2 is more convenient and more compact than a laptop, put it in a bag or in a pocket, and tablet is always at your hand.”

The Mi Pad 2 Transformers edition will only be available in China and starts shipping on May 13 only if the crowd funding goal is achieved. This robot will be up for sale for 169 Yuans (approx $26). Before purchasing this robot, users should keep in mind that this is not a standard working tablet.