The MIUI global beta ROM 6.3.17 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow recently rolled out for the Xiaomi Mi 3, Mi 4 and Mi Note.
Here are the ways to upgrade and the reasons why you should, according to the changelog.
Upgrading To MIUI Global Beta ROM (Based On Android M)
1) For those who already use MIUI global beta ROM: go to the Updater app and verify the updates. If your MIUI variant is older than 5.12.17, you must install the 5.12.17 update first. After successfully installing, check again for updates and reboot. Then go for the MIUI 6.3.17.
2) For any other version, you must flash your phone via Fastboot. You can do so easily by following the guide presented here.
You may download the Fastboot for the Mi 3 and the Mi 4 from Xiaomi.
For the Mi Note Fastboot, you need to download a different package.
Changelog
The MIUI Global Beta ROM 6.3.17's changelog based on Android Marshmallow reveals the following modifications.
The Phone gets voice-over for SIM 1 as well as for SIM 2 and additional voice-over for keypad (01-11).
The Messaging panel received three optimizations and two fixes.
The optimization list reads: the name card style for "Send contacts" was modified, the text box style of starred messages was optimized and now the syncing SIM messages is supported. For the two fixes, the first solves the clipping of two-line messages, which could cause parts of the text to get trimmed. The second takes care of an issue appearing when sending a message, which prohibited the sender to see the text from the input box.
Three fixes and a deletion happened in the Lockscreen, Status Bar and Notification Bar section.
A problem where the status bar disappeared was fixed. An issue preventing the power button being read while in Accesibility mode was resolved. A problem with the screen going black when looking at Daily lock screens was patched. Because of security concerns, the "forgot password" option was removed when in the locked screen.
The Home Screen section also got three fixes.
A problem where daily lockscreens failed was resolved. A fix was applied to an issue where, after restarting the device, the phone asked the user to change a folder name in Mi Space. An issue was repaired where the Home screen icons got lost after the successful restart of the device.
The Backup section was optimized via a novel design for Mi Mover. Also, the section got a fix that solves interruptions or unsuccessful file transfers from Mi Mover.
Permissions Manager received a new function, as users can now establish a home screen shortcut. This enables to restrict all apps' access to a specific permission with a single tap.
The File Explorer is where three new additions and an optimization took place. The novelties are: an added New feature for file transfers between devices, which needs no Internet connection. Hidden files and downloads now get shortcuts in Categories. A smoother, more informative layout for storage view is in place. The optimization regards the redesign of the cards layout.
The Cleaner tab got two additions and a fix.
Now, MIUI offers deep clean supports when removing APK. files and when managing videos.
The fix resolves the errors that appear when calculating sizes of deep clean files, especially large ones.
The Security menu got optimized with an improved status bar performance.
A Mi Cloud safety addition adds an account lock after users flash their phones in Find device. This avoids the risk of lost phones being used by strangers.
Earlier this month, Xiaomi also pushed the MIUI 7.2 update on number of its devices, such as the Mi Note, Mi 3, Mi 4/4i, Redmi 3/Note 3 and others.
