Xiaomi hires Google VP

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has hired a Google (GOOG.NASDAQ) vice president to develop its international business, Bloomberg reported, citing a senior executive. Hugo Barra, who helped oversee Google’s Android product management, will join Xiaomi in October as head of international business development. The appointment signals Xiaomi’s intention to take on Apple (AAPL.NASDAQ) and Samsung (005930.KRX) overseas after building market share by selling handsets priced at less than a third of the iPhone 5 in China. Analysts said the biggest challenge in foreign markets will be talent and telecom operator relationships.