In early August, Google released the Android 9.0 Pie update to the Pixel series phone and since then the Essential phone is the lone non-pixel phone to have received latest update, while other companies such as Motorola, Sony and Nokia just listed the eligible devices.
Now, Xiaomi has released Android Pie-based MIUI 10.9.6 beta ROM. However, it is available only in China for now. The company has promised to bring out global version later this year.
When will other Mi and Redmi series phones get the Android Pie?
Manu Kumar Jain, Xiaomi vice president (global) during the Redmi 6 series showcase event in Bengaluru on September 6, confirmed to local media that the new phones and other eligible Mi and Redmi series will be first treated with 8.1 Oreo-based MIUI 10 and then the company will commence work on Android Pie-based MIUI ROM.
Like previous years, Xiaomi will take its own sweet time to build Android Pie ROM and most probably begin with beta testing early next year and release the public version in the second quarter 2019. But, rest assured most of the devices, even the three or four-year-old models will get the update. That's what critics and Android phone enthusiasts like about the company.
For those unaware, Google offers two-year software upgrade and one additional year of security patch support to its Pixel phones and other OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) offer support for a maximum of 24 months for flagships and 18 months for low-end models.
However, Xiaomi goes beyond its obligation to serve loyal patrons with new software for their devices every year and if need be, incremental update or software patch to fix bugs, which get reported on community forums.
For instance, Xiaomi is offering MIUI 10 to Mi 4 series, which was launched in 2014. This is why the company has a very passionate Mi fan community in China and India.
List of Mi and Redmi series phones that are likely to get Android Pie-based MIUI 10 update:
Based on the previous release pattern, we believe Xiaomi might release Android Pie-based MIUI update to Mi 8 (beta already out), Mi MIX 2S, Mi Max 3, Mi MIX 2, Mi MIX, Mi 6X, Mi 6, Mi 5, Mi Note 2, Redmi S2, Redmi Note 5, Note 5 Pro, Mi Note 3, Mi 5X, Mi 5c, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus, Mi Max 2, Redmi 6 Pro, Redmi 6, Redmi 6A, Redmi 5, Redmi 5A, Redmi 5 Plus, Redmi 4, Redmi 4A, Redmi 4X, Redmi 3S/Redmi 3X, Redmi Pro, Redmi Note 5A, Redmi Note 4 (Qualcomm), Redmi Note 4X, Redmi Note 4 (MTK) and Redmi Note 3 (Qualcomm). Xiaomi's sub-brand Poco F1 will also get the Android Pie.
It can be noted that some devices might not get all the features of the Android Pie due to limitations of their hardware. But Xiaomi will add its own custom features so that it makes the devices exhibit better performance and have a new look in terms of interface.
Android 9.0 Pie: Key features you should know
Search engine giant Google has introduced several value-added features including latest security upgrades in Pie over the Android Oreo series.
One of the key aspects of Android Pie include full-view screen friendly swipe-based navigation interface option, revamped setting drawer, adaptive battery and display, extend battery life and several others.
After upgrading to the Android Pie, devices will restrict any apps accessing users' phone microphone, camera, or other sensors when an app is idle or running in the background. (If an app does need to access a sensor, it will show a persistent notification on your phone.)
Additionally, Android 9 introduces several new security features, including a standardized biometric authentication prompt to provide a more consistent authentication experience across Android.
The new Android 9 also brings important improvements that protect all web communications and offer private web surfing. It enables encryption of Android backups with a client-side secret (the device PIN, pattern or password) for greater security.
Android 9 Pie also makes notifications more useful and offer actionable functionalities with conversations such as attach photos and stickers along with suggesting smart replies.
