As expected, Xiaomi first announced the changes and new features in MIUI 12 at a conference held on Sina Weibo. In the process, the company We have already opened the beta program Update for Chinese users. Later, the brand made the launch of the international version official through a message published on social networks. The online conference took place on May 19, 2020. We presented you the main changes and the affected models.
The stable version of the skin will be distributed at: End of June 2020 around the world. Unsurprisingly, the latest version is rolling out in three successive phases. In total, more than thirty phones will be able to install MIUI 12, not counting regional variants of certain models. The first to be affected are the Mi 9, Mi 9T and Mi 9T Pro (and their Chinese versions, the Redmi K20 and Redmi K20 Pro).
New dark mode
The update first signals that an update is coming dark mode 2.0It is compatible not only with the interface but also with all applications, system or third-party. Concretely, this mode adapts to the time of day and also to the ambient brightness by gradually darkening or lightening the wallpaper.
In addition, the interface will automatically adapt the contrast and weight of the fonts to improve readability depending on the mode activated. This option aims to prevent you from being dazzled by something too bright and to allow you to read content without tiring your eyes. Dark mode needs to increase on models with OLED or AMOLED screens battery life by reducing the energy consumption of the panel.
New wallpapers and animations
Xiaomi supports update new wallpapers and always-on displays It shows landscapes of Earth, Moon, and Mars. All images used in MIUI 12 Custom Wallpapers are provided by NASA. These images can be seen on the general interface, lock screen, and “Always On” screen.
Each wallpaper is enhanced with zoom effects when unlocking the smartphone or opening a folder. Xiaomi developers have also integrated animations and new effects into the icons based on the current weather.
More accurate fitness tracker
The MIUI 12 update includes a built-in activity tracker. Now your smartphone can no longer just count the number of steps you take each day. With MIUI 12, your phone can also measure your performance while running, cycling or climbing stairs. More generally, the measurement tool is more precise than that of MIUI 11. Please note that this function cannot replace wearing a connected bracelet. Finally, Xiaomi is also integrating better sleep tracking.
New tools to protect personal data
Xiaomi has also added various features for the following purposes: protect user privacy. Thus, the layer will keep a complete history of all the apps that request sensitive authorization. Similarly, MIUI 12 will display color alerts when an app accesses the camera or microphone. A security system will prevent third-party apps from collecting certain data by configuring a virtual identity consisting of 100% fake information. Therefore, in case of a hack, hackers will recover the wrong data.
MIUI 12 is based on Android 10One of its main new features is granting an app access to a resource for a limited time (while the app is active and in the foreground). This permission granularity is only available for geolocation (but will be expanded to other resources with Android 11). Xiaomi extends this tweak to other system resourcesThis includes camera, selfie sensor, microphone, contact list, call history, calendar, and storage.
Finally, MIUI 12 integrates new tools Remove sensitive information from shared photos’ metadata (in networks or in instant messaging). Before sending the snapshot, MIUI 12 offers to delete certain metadata, primarily geolocation.
The manufacturer has also made numerous improvements. MIUI gesture navigation. This new version moves a little further away from the navigation gestures integrated into Android by default. More generally, the skin benefits from a cleaner interface; it is whiter and there is a heavy use of icons and graphics instead of text elements. These changes are particularly visible in the settings section of the smartphone, where, for example, the remaining storage is displayed. Xiaomi has also added a floating chat that appears when game applications are opened in full screen.
New app drawer
Like other Chinese custom ROMs (ColorOS, RealmeUI, EMUI), MIUI also comes with version 12.an app drawer similar to stock AndroidUsers will now be able to choose between two levels of storage (comprehensive drawer and optional shortcuts on home screens) or just one level (app management on home screens only).
This app drawer is an adaptation of the custom ROM”Poco LauncherThis ROM does indeed have a similar drawer, as you find on Pocophone (alternative brand belonging to Xiaomi). Given its success, the manufacturer has decided to integrate it into MIUI 12.
New power saving mode
Xiaomi has integrated an additional power consumption mode into MIUI 12. Called “Ultra Battery Saver” or “Ultra Economiseur de Batterie” in French, this mode aims to limit energy consumption even more aggressively when your battery is about to run out. When this mode is activated, the most demanding services and apps (especially those running in the background) are put to sleep. Calls, messaging, and Internet access remain active and unaffected.
New picture-in-picture mode
On the multitasking side, Xiaomi has also integrated an improved picture in picture mode into its update to take advantage of the beautiful screen surface offered by modern smartphones. This new option allows you to:open an app directly from notification or multitasking menu. The application will then appear in a mini window. Then you will be able to refer to other content at the same time. And you can resize or move the window as you wish.
Screen sharing and streaming made easy
MIUI 12 improves significantly tools for sharing and broadcasting smartphone screen content. It is possible to cast all or part of the screen to an external display using a smart shortcut. You can choose to hide sensitive content such as notifications, messages, and calls so that they are not visible during the presentation.
The sharing and distribution tool includes: a mode to save battery for example, by turning off the backlight of the screen. Note that this function is also compatible with another new feature in MIUI 12, the multi-window mode called Picture in Picture. You can open an app in a floating window and choose to view only its contents. (and not the entire contents of the screen).
Shortcuts by tapping on the back of the smartphone
MIUI 12 introduces a new feature called Back Tap. This allows you to associate a quick action with a double or triple tap on the back of the smartphone. A feature discovered in the latest Android 11 and iOS 14 betas.
What do you think about the new features in the MIUI 12 update? What do you think about the dark mode or the improvements in gesture navigation? We look forward to your feedback in the comments below.
