Earlier today (3rd March 2020), a senior executive from Xiaomi announced that the upcoming Redmi Note 9 has its launch event canceled. In its stead, the sub brand will unveil the device in an online broadcast. The reason for this and the general impact on the smartphone industry has been due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak.
According to Manu Kumar Jain, Global Vice President of Xiaomi, the recent cases of infection spreading in certain parts of the Indian subcontinent. Thus, it has been decided by the company that it will not host product launch events on-ground in the month of March 2020. The notice arrives after certain cases of the virus have been detected in the country’s capital and certain other regions. These events serve as the perfect place for the infection to spread, considering media and personnel from across the globe are in attendance.
📢#Note the update: Due to recent reports of COVID-19 #CoronaOutbreak in certain parts of the country, we've decided to not host product launch events on-ground in March.
This is keeping in mind safety of fans, media friends, employees & partners. I urge you all to stay safe. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SOdDZtSkmo
— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) March 3, 2020
For those unaware, China was recently hit with an epidemic that originated from the Wuhan region. The disease is a new strain and is known to cause symptoms resembling cold leading up to pneumonia. Due to this, the Chinese government had to stop factories and other places with high headcounts to prevent further propagation of the infection.
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Hence, Xiaomi announced that the latest Redmi Note series entry’s launch event, which was supposed to be held on 12th March around 12 PM, has been canceled. This is leading to a growing trend of product launches being held virtually via live broadcast online through streaming on social media and other platforms. Hence, we may also see other notable upcoming launches, like Realme, to also follow a similar strategy.
In light of current reports of #coronavirus impact & related advisory by health officials to maintain social distance as a precautionary measure, I'm calling off our biggest event. Will still give live speech in stadium with you watching #realme6series event online. #HealthFirst
— Madhav 5G (@MadhavSheth1) March 3, 2020
Update:
We have an official announcement that has stated that Realme has also backed down from a physical launch event. The company is also taking such measures due to the on going Coronavirus epidemic and will live stream the Realme 6 series in a stadium which will be broadcasted online.
The infection is highly contagious and has been recognized as one of the worst epidemics of all time. So a preventive philosophy is essential at this point. The tweet from Manu on Twitter also carried a small apology alongside a note that held an important update on the events and decisions taking place.
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