, Columnist
The Chinese (Smartphones) Are Coming
Xiaomi's intended entry into the U.S. market is the latest sign of an irreversible trend.
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In the next five years, a majority of U.S. consumers will have bought a Chinese-brand smartphone. Such a prospect may raise the hackles of purported American patriots and presidential candidates, but it's reality.
Outside of Apple and Samsung, Chinese brands rule the global smartphone market. LG gets a hand in from time to time, Blackberry isn't dead yet, and Nokia keeps bouncing from one identity crisis to another -- but the trend is irreversible.