After most Android-powered smartphones have received Android 5.1 Lollipop and await the next major OS upgrade to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Xiaomi is stepping up its game to bring the Android 5.1-based MIUI 7 to its users. After rolling out the beta version of MIUI 7 in August, the Chinese smartphone maker will release the final build of the much-touted OS to eligible devices starting 27 October.
"We are really excited to announce MIUI 7 global stable build for MIUI fans all around the world. With two months of testing and optimization, MIUI 7 global stable version is to roll out from Oct. 27, 2015. Yours by design! Get ready for upgrade!" the company said in a post earlier this week.
Select Mi smartphones around the world will be treated with the new OS next week. The update will be pushed to users over-the-air (OTA) and will also be available for manual upgrade through MIUI Downloads next Tuesday.
List of supported Mi phones for the MIUI 7 upgrade:
- Xiaomi Mi Note
- Xiaomi Mi 4
- Xiaomi Mi 3
- Xiaomi Redmi 2
- Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime
- Xiaomi Redmi 1S 3G
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G
- Xiaomi Mi Pad
Additionally, Xiaomi also revealed that the MIUI 7 China stable build will begin rolling out to eligible devices starting 27 October. The supported devices for the Chinese version of the OS include:
- Xiaomi Mi 2/2S
- Xiaomi Mi 3
- Xiaomi Mi 4
- Xiaomi Mi 4c
- Xiaomi Mi 4i
- Xiaomi Mi Note
- Xiaomi Mi Note Pro
- Xiaomi Mi Pad
- Xiaomi Redmi 1S W
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G
- Xiaomi Redmi 2
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
If you Xiaomi smartphone is not listed in the China or global rollout of the MIUI 7, don't fret as the company is still working on bringing the new OS to other devices ASAP. But there is no timeframe as to when the company plans to reveal the next batch of handsets eligible to get MIUI 7.
What's new in MIUI 7?
The MIUI 7 based on Android 5.1 is touted as the most advanced OS by Xiaomi so far. There are several improvements such as new themes, better optimisation alongside new features. Take a look at the entire change-log for the MIUI 7 below:
- Showtime: Play videos for contacts on incoming calls.
- Baby album: Automatically sorts all baby images into one folder for easy access.
- Smart SMS filter: Separates all service messages into a dedicated notification tab.
- Visual IVR: Offers seamless navigation while calling customer service.
- Quick OTP: Helps with OTP-essential transactions.
- XXL Text: Increases font size to fit your needs.
- Optimisation: Improves the battery life by up to 10% and system response speed by 30%.
- Child Mode: Locks all essential apps and files and controls what your kids can access.
- Auto DND: When paired with Mi Band, detects if the wearer is sleeping to activate Do Not Disturb mode.
- Themes: Plenty new themes like Rose, Pink Blush, Ocean Breeze, High Life and more.
If you are using a Xiaomi smartphone, it is highly recommended that you download the OTA update as it rolls out and enjoy the new experience.
