Xiaomi starts selling accessories in the UK, US, France and Germany

'China's Apple' launches low-cost headphones, fitness bands and portable battery packs to test the waters for a full smartphone launch

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi will launch its first stores in North America and Europe on Tuesday, selling low-cost accessories as a prelude to launching smartphones in the West.

The Mi store launch in the US, UK, France and Germany will be the five-year-old company's first steps beyond China and selects developing markets after struggling with litigation over alleged patent infringement.