At an event in Beijing, Xiaomi launched the latest version of its custom ROM, . The latest iteration introduces a redesign of the UI elements, with a focus on bold colors. Xiaomi shared usage figures, stating that MIUI has over 200 million users worldwide, up from 170 million in the month of February.
Let's start with the stock apps: The Gallery app has picked up new editing tools, better space utilization, and new features. You now have the ability to change filters with a single tap, and the app offers video editing tools. The Calculator now shows real-time exchange rates along with tax and mortgage calculations, unit conversions, and more.
There's a new screenshot tool that lets you take scrolling screenshots, allowing you to save entire web pages in a single image. The Notes app has been tweaked and has a better visual layout, and Xiaomi has introduced a new power-saving mode as well. We'll have more details over all the new features once we get our hands on MIUI 8.
For its Chinese users, Xiaomi has introduced a new font called Mi Lansing that refines the reading experience on mobile devices. The font features centered characters, and Xiaomi has mentioned that it had to manually tweak 27,533 characters.
MIUI 8 will be compatible on the Mi 2, Mi 2S, Mi 3, Mi 4, Mi 4C, Mi 4S, Mi 5, and the Mi Max in addition to all the phones in the Redmi series and the Mi Note. Registrations for the Chinese ROM will kick off on May 16, with beta testing commencing on June 1. A developer preview will be available from June 17. No mention as of now regarding availability of the global ROM, but we'll share more details once we know more.