Xiaomi has just unveiled its biggest phablet yet, the 6.4-inch Mi Max. One of the most noted features of the new Mi Max is that it comes with a new version of the MiUI platform. It is expected that the MiUI 8 version will come out to other Xiaomi devices, as it is revealed that the new firmware will have beta tests starting next month.

According to the announcement on the MiUI thread, the new version is a highly-anticipated one, as the MiUI operating system is being used by over 200 million users worldwide. Meanwhile, as part of the upcoming global release of the new platform, beta tests will start on June 1. Registration for the beta will begin on May 16. While Xiaomi has yet to come out with a specific release date for the global release of the full version, the MiUI 8 is expected to start its updates to other Xiaomi devices by end of June or early July, as the announcement also mentioned that the Developer ROM for the platform will release on June 16.

One of the most noted improvements in the new MiUI is a number of battery management features. A new power-saving mode is included, where the MiUI 8 automatically freezes background apps and tasks when the mode is enabled, so that the device will run for as long as possible even with waning battery capacity. In addition, the MiUI 8 also features a custom load at start-up feature – users can select for themselves which apps and tasks will automatically run upon device startup.

Meanwhile, the new improvements in the MiUI 8 design and color palette matches that of the Mi Max phablet, according to First Post. Reportedly, the new refreshing look and colors that comes in the MiUI palette is in sync with how Xiaomi designed the Mi Max – a helpful navigation tool for drivers. This is apparently a safety feature, and also coincides with how big the Mi Max is, since the bigger screen with adjusted contrasts will help in the readability of maps.