Xiaomi MIUI 7 Beta unveiled

Xiaomi today introduced its Android-based MIUI 7 ROM at its launch event in New Delhi. MIUI 7 global developer ROM will be pushed to devices via OTA starting August 24. All Xiaomi smartphones are supported by the Beta version which includes Redmi 1S, Redmi 2, Mi 3, Mi 4, Mi 4i, Redmi Note, and Redmi Note 4G.

Xiaomi also announced new limited edition colour variants for the Mi 4i like Blue, Pink and Yellow. The limited edition Mi 4i variants will be available only on Mi.com at the same price of Rs 12,999.

“MIUI 7 is a fresh new take on our immensely popular operating system, well-loved by over 150 million users. With so many exciting new enhancements, you will be able to feel the difference the moment you power on your phone running MIUI 7. With more new system UIs to choose from, customised profile videos for calls using Showtime and a variety of personalisation options, MIUI 7 is truly ‘Yours by Design’,” said Xiaomi Global VP Hugo Barra.

Apart from new themes, the company announced that it will offer visual IVR for 50 clients which includes Indian Railways, several banks and others. Visual IVR let users to see options in automated calls and respond at a glance. So, if you are dialing any customer care number, you will not have to listen and follow instructions like “Please press 1 for English or press 2 for Hindi.” The entire instruction tree will be display and users can just tap for the desired reaction.

Xiaomi global director of product management Donovan Sung informed that the company is looking at adding more customer care numbers in India. “We will add Visual IVR support for more numbers. The support totally comes from our end and it is just a matter of time before we get to deliver most of these in visual IVR form,” he said.

Commenting on the expected stable release date of MIUI 7, Sung said, “We are hoping to complete the beta testing within two months and roll out the stable version.”

Barra stated that MIUI 7 is created considering its large Indian user base. The new Android-based OS aims at bettering battery life and performance. It supports 10 Indic languages. The company has partnered with Opera Max for Data Saver feature in its Browser. Data Saver help users compress data and save money.

Xiaomi has focused a lot on the looks of the new UI. MIUI 7 comes with four default themes- Rose, Pink Blush, Ocean Breeze, and High Life.

Users can now play games or music on the lock screen as well. MIUI 7 will empower the Mi Band to switch the phone into DND mode when it detects the person wearing the Mi Band is asleep.
With Showtime, users can now record a short video loop on phone. So, when someone calls you, instead of viewing an image of the caller, you will see a short video of that caller.

On the SMS front, MIUI 7 has a new feature which detects OTPs and directly displays a ‘Copy’ option. Other features include, Baby album- a feature which automatically recognises and keeps all pictures of your little one in one album; mute notification feature; XXL fonts; easy Child Mode and auto HD wallpapers which changes automatically daily.