MIUI 13 development is currently in full swing and a number of devices have already been testing the version internally. There are rumors doing rounds about the update being set for launch along with the Xiaomi 12 on December 16th. While that remains to be confirmed, we have already begun to see signs of the update on the MIUI 12.5 Chinese beta channel.

The latest among these signs is an update to the MIUI Launcher Alpha that adds a subtle yet important little animation to the app, in prep for MIUI 13. Now, when apps are being loaded, like for example following a reboot, you will get a loading icon for a few seconds to show that apps aren’t loaded yet. This replaces the previous behavior where apps began to pop up one by one and the launcher stuttered a bit following a restart. Basically, the animation stops you from using the launcher until it gets fully ready.

Apart from the above, the MIUI Launcher Alpha build fixes a number of bugs and issues from previous Alpha builds.

The new animation is available with MIUI Launcher Alpha v4.26.0.4048-11301642. The APK for the same can be downloaded through this Telegram link (via Xiaomiui). Do keep in mind that it may not work on Global ROMs since it’s targeted towards MIUI 12.5 Chinese beta builds. It might still work for Xiaomi.eu users though.

Coming to MIUI 13 itself, the Android skin has been touted to be a major upgrade over MIUI 12.5, bringing along a range of improvements and UI changes. At least 9 devices are currently known to have already received internal test builds, namely the entirety of the Mi 11 series, Mi 11 Lite 5G, Mi 10S, MIX 4, and the Redmi K40/K40 Pro/K40 Pro+. These devices will likely be receiving Android 12-based MIUI 13 stable but several others will even receive Android 11-based MIUI 13.

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Despite issues like the Mi community ban in India, Xiaomi has had a hardcore fanbase across the globe to rejoice the Chinese MIUI. Like it does with every update, the company introduced a new app drawer earlier this year. Now, looks like it is altering the way recent apps screen looks on the latest MIUI 12.

As reported by XDADevelopers, Telegram Channel @Xiaomiui has shared a new version of the MIUI launcher. Accordingly, this has the option of using a horizontal recent apps screen. Besides, the MIUI launcher for MIUI 12 reportedly has a build number Alpha v4.21.0.2425-10261728 where Alpha probably means ‘test’ version. As you can see in the screenshots(courtesy of users @Deiki) below, there is a new option added in the Home Screen section.

Tapping on “Arrange items in Recents” takes you to another page with two options. One is vertical and the other is horizontal scrolling. You can scroll either way to manage the opened apps. Also, swiping up will terminate the app while long-press/swiping down will lock it in memory. The new recent app viewing finally looks like the one on OnePlus, Samsung, Apple, and Google’s Pixel Experience. Hence, users wouldn’t feel it odd when they switch devices.

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Also, the alpha version of the launcher comes with a changelog as follows:

• Added-Horizontal Recents option.
• Fixed- Incorrect points on some models.
• Adjust- Gaussian blur scheme.
• Fixed- Dragging folder icon bug.
• Optimized- Unloading application freeze.
• Adjust- Recent task animation.

Xiaomi has been improving a lot with every version of MIUI. Previously, MIUI 11 brought features like Dark Mode, Ambient display, Productivity suit, Easy screencast, and more. But the latest MIUI 12 improved overall design with sleek UI, and animations. It also had an emphasis on Privacy, Health, Assistant, Themes etc. That said, the next MIUI, the MIUI 13 is already under development and is expected to bring a host of features including a new power menu.

Coming back, the new launcher is luckily available as an APK. Thus, users willing to dive in for a change can install and try it out on their MIUI 12 device. However, it’s an Alpha build, and hence, expect it to go haywire in some situations. Nonetheless, there are chances that the feature might end up on the stable build soon.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite key features and renders revealed through FCC certification

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Xiaomi’s MIUI is one of the most popular custom Android user interface as it comes pre-installed on most of the Xiaomi smartphones. However, like most other Chinese custom UIs, this one too lacks the app drawer.

When Xiaomi launched the Poco brand and Poco F1 smartphone, the company also announced Poco Launcher which surprisingly features an application drawer. This was well-received as users didn’t have to rely on third-party launchers.

Now, it seems that Xiaomi is finally ready to introduce app drawer in the MIUI itself. In the latest alpha build of the MIUI launcher, which carries version 4.10.6.1025-06141703, an app drawer is found.

However, the images show that instead of the new swipe gesture to open the app drawer, the company has adopted the older technique and the user will have to tap on the middle button in the app bar at the bottom of the home screen to open the app drawer.

In the app drawer, the installed applications are listed in the alphabetical order. On top of the apps list, there’s a list of recently used apps. There’s also a downward-facing arrow on the top, which when tapped, collapses the app drawer. Swipe down gesture to close the drawer doesn’t work but you can use the back button or the downward-facing arrow.

Along with this app drawer, the alpha build of the MIUI also gets support for app shortcuts. These are sets of quick actions which show up when the app icon is long-pressed. The feature was first introduced with Android 7.0 Nougat which enables users to launch any specific part of the app directly to perform key tasks.

You can go to the source link to install this alpha build of the MIUI launcher on your compatible device. However, we recommend not to do so given that it may not be very stable or might crash during usage. While the Poco Launcher is available for all device, this one is limited to the device running MIUI.

(Source)

Up Next: Xiaomi India throw shade at OnePlus over the OnePlus 7 Pro’s “World’s Fastest Phone” claim

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