Xiaomi has officially launched the latest version of its custom Android ROM, MIUI 8. The new operating system boasts quite a bit of useful features.
First is the new Power Saving Mode, which disables background tasks, sync etc to save the battery life.
Additionally MIUI 8 also prevents apps from starting at the same time, to help reduce power consumption, and lags.
MIUI 8 takes a leaf out of Android N’s book, by adding support for Multi Window. We are not sure if this feature will be available for all devices though.
The MIUI 8 Notes app offers advanced security, with an option to protect your privacy with a password and fingerprint. We have also seen that it has some new templates, sharing options, etc.
The MIUI 8 Gallery app now has Quick share controls which can be enabled with a swipe up to share, and also allows quick editing with a tap, using which you can easily change filters. You can also add stickers, doodle on a photo.
MIUI 8 also supports various video editing options like cropping, adding filters, captions and music. The new MIUI 8 Wallpaper Carousel updates your lock screen everyday, and now includes 12 categories to choose from.
There are some features which could be exclusively available for Chinese users, including the new MIUI 8 Calculator which recognizes Chinese Math problems, performs Advanced calculations and conversions. The new MIUI 8 Scanner app which supports Wechat wallet and Alipay, scan barcode to shop online, etc. And there is a new font as well, called Mi Lanting.
When will my phone get MIUI 8 update?
The following are the release dates for the China ROM.
16 May Beta registration
1 June Beta testing
17 June Developer ROM
While Xiaomi hasn’t stated it, we think that the Global ROMs may get the MIUI 8 update a month after the Chinese variants do.
Will my phone get the MIUI 8 update?
The following are the Developer ROM supported devices
Redmi 2/2S/3
Mi 4/4C/4S/5/Max
All Redmi and Mi Note series (including the Redmi Note 3).
So the notable absentee is the Redmi 1S.
Is MIUI 8 based on Marshmallow or Lollipop (Or KitKat?)
It is unclear what operating system MIUI 8 is based on, though many rumours at the forums suggest it is based on Lollipop for most devices. Flagship devices like the Mi 4 and Mi 5 however, will probably get MIUI 8 based on Marshmallow, as even the latest MIUI 7 beta version is based on the same.
source: MIUI