TOKYO -- Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone maker known for budget handsets, has zeroed in on the "internet of things" as its next profit source and is moving aggressively to break into the Japanese market for smart management everything from coffee machines to convenience store lines.
Following its initial public offering in July, Xiaomi wants to expand the scope of its business. It is using an affiliate, Lumi United Technology, which recently announced it has partnered with Japan's software developer Asteria to sell sensors that control temperature, ventilation, lighting and other functions in offices, hotels and shops.
