Xiaomi finally unveiled MIUI 9, the awaited new version of its MIUI custom Android ROM. MIUI 9 is based on Android 7.0 Nougat, and apart from Nougat features like split screen, it boasts of faster app launch times, a more dynamic resource allocation for a fluid experience, and other smart features and improvements. A majority of the new features are system optimizations which should result in a smoother experience, though there are also some visual changes. Let’s run through some of the key ones.
Xiaomi has chosen to highlight three main new features in the new OS version – Image search, Smart Assistant, and Smart app launcher. MIUI 9 will run out-of-the-box on the Xiaomi Mi 5X, which was launched alongside the new ROM on Wednesday.
MIUI 9 download date and phones
The first beta, referred to as a developer ROM in this case, will be made available on August 11. Note, that this is the China Developer ROM, and currently no information about the Global ROM rollout has been provided. The China ROM and Global ROM have a slightly different feature set. The first batch of the MIUI 9 China Developer ROM will be released for Xiaomi Mi 6, Mi 5X, and Redmi Note 4X.
From the release itinerary, the Xiaomi Mi 6, Mi 5X, and Redmi Note, Note 4X (Qualcomm version) will get the Developer ROM on August 11 while the second batch will start rolling on August 25. The second batch will involve a whole lot of models including Mi MIX, Mi Note 2, Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus, Mi 5c, Mi Max 2, Mi Max 32G, Mi Max 64G/128G, Mi 4S, Mi 4c, Mi Note Pro, and Redmi 4X.
System Optimization
Xiaomi has worked hard on making MIUI 9 as smooth as possible when it comes to performance. MIUI will never be stock Android but that doesn’t mean it can’t be optimized to be equally fast and responsive even with its advanced customization features.
App launch has been improved by the addition of Dynamic Resource Allocation. What this does is use critical thinking to give your favourite apps priority when it comes to CPU allocation. This way your most used apps open up faster.
Haptic feedback has also been improved and there is an automatic cleaning process.
Smart Assistant
MIUI 9 comes with a smart assistant that lets you search for almost anything within your device. If you are looking for that text from a particular day or picture from a particular event on your phone, the assistant is your best help at finding it fast. All you need is a bit of information such as the date, location, and even expression when it comes to images.
Smart App Launcher
This uses an algorithm to suggest apps based on what’s on your screen. So don’t be surprised if you get suggestions to bring up the maps app or ride booking app when you are talking about going out.
Split-Screen Multitasking
After what seemed like an endless wait, MIUI finally gets split-screen multitasking as a default feature. There is not much to say here as virtually everyone is familiar with the feature already.
MIUI 9 will be available as a closed beta for the Xiaomi Mi 6 and Redmi Note 4X tomorrow. Other devices will get it in coming weeks.
The latest OS also brings three new themes, No Boundary, Colour Fantasy, and, Cool Black as well as a new default theme. Additional new features include a new design on the lock screen, a new shortcut to activate the torch by swiping right on the lock screen. The split-screen feature that was launched with Android 7.0 Nougat can now be found on MIUI 9 as well.
