Chinese smart phone manufacturers are usually slower than the rest when it comes to software updates. Xiaomi which is trying to expand internationally would definitely need to step up their software game if they plan to take on its bigger rivals. In an interview with Hugo Barra, who was the face of Android previously, says that upgrading to the latest Android Lollipop would be his number 1 priority from a product perspective for its global business.
As MIUI is heavily customised with its own look and feel, the challenge is to consolidate Google’s new Material Design with its own custom interface. Xiaomi’s hi-end Mi devices would be getting Android 5.0 Lollipop by Q1 2015 as an MIUI 6 update. Meanwhile its affordable Redmi series will be getting it too but they can’t give an exact timeline just yet.
The interview also shared Xiaomi’s interest in Google’s new Android One program of making affordable smart phones with stock Android OS. They definitely want to jump on board but it all depends on timing. Currently their main focus is to push 4G handsets in India and they recently launched the Redmi Note 4G over there.
