Exploring the New Features in MIUI 9 for Xiaomi Phones

Exploring the New Features in MIUI 9 for Xiaomi Phones

Xiaomi devices have gained popularity in Nepal not only for their affordable hardware but also for their smooth software experience. The official rollout of MIUI 9 has now begun, and users can expect to receive the update soon. Here’s a detailed look at what the new MIUI 9 offers.

Key Enhancements in MIUI 9

App Vault: This new feature functions similarly to the Google Now screen or the Shelf panel on OnePlus devices. By swiping right on the home screen, users can access frequently used apps, widgets, calendar events, sports updates, and more. It helps keep the interface organized and provides quick access to essential tools.

Animated Icons: MIUI 9 includes animated icons for certain system apps such as Phone, Browser, and Messaging, as well as popular third-party apps like Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. These playful animations activate when exiting apps, adding a lively touch to the user interface without affecting battery life.

Split Screen Mode: Although split-screen functionality was introduced in Android Nougat, Xiaomi devices had not previously supported it. MIUI 9 now enables split-screen mode, allowing users to switch between the top and bottom app, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

Improved Notifications: The notification system has been redesigned to bundle alerts from a single app into one consolidated notification, making the notification area cleaner and more concise. Quick reply options are now supported, and the notification shade has been adjusted to resemble stock Android more closely.

Enhanced Silent Mode: Building on Android Nougat’s features, MIUI 9 adds a time-bound silent mode. Users can now specify how long the phone should remain silent when activating this mode.

Mi Drop: This built-in app, designed for transferring files between Xiaomi devices, has been optimized with a minimalist user interface for easier use. It functions similarly to apps like Xender or ShareIt.

Upgraded Video and Gallery Apps: The default Video app now organizes similar videos into shows, supports multiple subtitles and languages, and includes an option to hide videos. The Gallery app introduces a “Smart Photo” editing tool that removes unwanted background objects without distorting the image, a feature previously available only in paid apps such as TouchRetouch.

Lock Screen Updates: While the lock screen itself sees minor changes, swiping right reveals a new page displaying connected devices, ideal for users with Xiaomi smart home products. This page also includes a flashlight button and shows the remaining time to fully charge the phone.

New Icons and Animations: MIUI 9 features a refreshed set of colorful, minimalist icons and new opening and closing animations, making the interface more engaging and interactive. These visual updates also contribute to a perceived speed boost.

Performance Optimization: The update focuses heavily on optimization, enabling MIUI to compete more effectively with stock Android in terms of speed and smoothness. Applications load faster, crashes have been reduced, and overall performance is improved, particularly beneficial for older Xiaomi models. The update also addresses the KRACK vulnerability.

Devices Receiving the MIUI 9 Update

Xiaomi maintains a strong record of providing regular updates. This time, numerous models from various years are included in the MIUI 9 rollout:

2017: Mi Mix 2, Mi Note 3, Mi 6, Mi Max 2, Redmi Note 4, Redmi Note 4X, Redmi Note 5A, Redmi 4X, Redmi Y1, Redmi Y1 Lite

2016: Mi Mix, Mi Note 2, Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus, Mi Max, Mi Max Prime, Redmi Note 3, Redmi 3, Redmi 3s, Redmi 4A

2015: Mi Note, Mi 4i, Redmi 2, Redmi 2 Prime, Redmi Note 4G Prime, Redmi Note 2

2014: Mi 4, Redmi Note 4G

2013: Mi 3

2012: Mi 2

This extensive list ensures that users of a wide range of Xiaomi devices can enjoy the new features and improvements offered by MIUI 9.