Contract manufacturer Inventec, which makes smartphones for Xiaomi, has announced a strategic partnership with industrial PC maker Advantech to set up a joint venture, known as AI Mobile, with an initial paid-in capital of NT$1 billion (US$308.6 million; US$1=NT$32.4), reported the Economic Daily News on March 23. Inventec will have a 55% stake in the JV and Advantech 45%. AI Mobile is slated to begin operation in May and will focus on the development of industrial wireless handheld devices for different vertical application markets, including retail, automotive, and medical care. Inventec will contribute know-how in material purchase and production of wireless handheld devices, while Advantech will focuses on brand promotion and sales channels.