The new shortcut is the power button, which can be pressed upon for 0.5 seconds to enable the Google Assistant.
Highlights:
- Xiaomi devices with MIUI 10.2.1 get Google Assistant shortcut.
- MIUI 10 brings navigation gesture for Xiaomi devices but this removes the standard method of invoking Google Assistant.
- A short press on the power button enables the Google Assistant.
Xiaomi announced its MIUI 10 back when it launched the Mi 8 series of smartphones in China. The UI skin that sits on top of the Android operating system comes with full-screen gesture support. However, when one uses gestures on MIUI 10, the software navigation buttons are removed and one cannot boot up the Google Assistant in the standard way of pressing down on the home button. However, XDA Developers spotted that a new option has been added with the MIUI 10.2.1 update that enables one to use the power button to call up the smart assistant.
This changes on the MIUI 10.2.1 enables bringing up the Google Assistant while using navigation gestures. One can now press and hold the power button for 0.5 seconds to invoke the company’s smart assistant, but the feature is disabled by default and one will need to enable it from the “Button and gesture shortcuts” setting menu on their phone. However, there is no option to set the delay timer. This new option is similar to the feature enabled by OnePlus with the Open Beta 3 on the OnePlus 6.
As per the company’s product manager, Sudeep Sahu, the company’s focus with MIUI 10 has been on Speed, Design, Sound and AI Portrait image capturing. In terms of performance, MIUI 10 comes with two new features called “lock free critical path” and “co-dependent prioritising”, which are said to improve speed times of their devices by up to 10 percent. The recent screen is also revamped with MIUI 10 as one will now get to scroll down for viewing stacked cards of their recently used apps. One can also swipe to remove apps or long press on an app for accessing shortcuts like the split view. In terms of audio, the notification tone is said to change with every message you receive.
There have also been some new changes in MIUI 10 specifically for Indian users. The web browser has a dedicated page for local services with support for Progressive Web Apps (PWA). The camera app also recognises Paytm QR codes and there’s a quick menu tab for all business messages in the Messages app.
Related Reads:
Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro, Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A receive temporary price cut till February 8
Xiaomi announces MIIUI 10 roll out for 28 devices
Follow Us
Digit NewsDesk
Digit News Desk writes news stories across a range of topics. Getting you news updates on the latest in the world of tech. View Full Profile
