Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun believes that China is "now on the cutting edge of microchip technology." (Photo : Getty Images)
Xiaomi has released the latest version of the MIUI 8, the custom user interface that the company has for its smartphone devices. The latest version, 6.12.1, offers new and upgraded features like a weather dependent color-scheme, redesigned fonts, and various wallpapers.
The latest UI is primarily designed for the Android 7.0 Nougat, but it also works with Marshmallow and Jellybean. However, there are functions that will not work properly.
According to the MIUI 8's official forum, the supported devices include the Redmi 1S, Redmi 2, Redmi 2 Prime, Mi 3, Mi 4, Redmi Note 3 Qualcomm, and Redmi Note 3 Special Edition. Likewise, the Mi 4i, Redmi Note 2, Redmi Note 3G, Redmi Note 4G, Redmi Note Prime, as well as Mi Max 32GB, Mi 2/2S, Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi Note, Redmi 3/Prime, and Redmi 3S/Prime are included.
However, it should be noted that the Android Nougat version of the MIUI 8 is only for the Xiaomi Mi 5 phones. Owners of the said device need to use a computer installed with the company's application in order to get the latest Mi5 ROM.
As for the features, a new color scheme applies to the App Store, Calendar App, notification bar and voice recording app. The Cloud storage album now has high quality thumbnails to conserve space while the actual files get uploaded to the cloud. Users can also do minor tasks even if the device is on the suspension mode.
Additionally, live currency conversion is now be available on the Calculator app, Power management has been revamped and now freezes background app activity, and there is a Long screen capture function. The Android Nougat-based MIUI 8 also brings in wallpaper carousel, photo and video editing, and anti-fraud SMS security.
Previously, Android Authority reported that Xiaomi accepted beta test applicants who would test its Chinese and global ROM versions for the Mi 5 smartphone. The Mi Max 32GB and the Redmi 3S/Prime phones owners were also encouraged to participate, although the two devices can only receive the Android 6.0 Marshmallow version of the MIUI 8 and not the Nougat version.
