Xiaomi has announced that the latest version of its operating system, MIUI 8, will be rolling out as a Global Stable ROM update to eligible devices starting Tuesday.
Making the announcement on the MIUI forum last week, Xiaomi also listed the eligible devices – Redmi 1S, Redmi 2, Redmi 2 Prime, Redmi Note 3 (Qualcomm), Redmi Note 3 (Special Edition), Redmi Note 2, Redmi Note 3G, Redmi Note 4G, Redmi Note Prime, Redmi 3, Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime, Mi 2, Mi 2S, Mi 3, Mi 4, Mi 4i, Mi 5, Mi Note, and Mi Max (32GB variant).
The company also noted that only a select few devices will get the MIUI 8 Global Stable ROM as an OTA update on Tuesday. These are the Redmi 1S, Mi 2, Mi 2S, Mi 4i, Redmi Note 3G, and Redmi Note 4G. The rest of the eligible devices will get their updates in the “near future”. Xiaomi also announced that MIUI 8 China Stable ROM will start rolling out from Wednesday as well.
Xiaomi had originally scheduled August 16 as the release date for the MIUI 8 Global Stable ROM, but evidently the company has faced some delays with the final stable build.
As for how to upgrade, Xiaomi says users of the regular MIUI Global Stable ROM will receive an MIUI 8 update notification on their phone when the OTA update is ready for their device. Users can also refer to the Updater app to check for updates. Xiaomi warns that users should back up their data before making the upgrade. As for users running a different ROM than the MIUI Global Stable ROM, Xiaomi has posted a detailed guide on how to flash the latest stable MIUI 8 ROM.
To recall, MIUI 8 includes new features such as Mi Cloud Photo Sync; new video editing options for trimming, effects; scrolling screenshots; Quick ball button with shortcuts; Dual apps; new templates for Notes; a redesigned Gallery app; a Smart menu for editing text, and the new App lock. Users in India will also get free ringtones from Hungama. Hindi T9 prediction will be available, as well as T9 business search. Smart Caller ID features in both the dialler and messaging app will be available in India.