On August 28th, Xiaomi held a press conference in Beijing to launch SurgeOS 3, themed "Everything Goes Smoothly." As the theme suggests, the key word for this update isn't simply "fast," but rather "smooth," a feeling closer to the user experience. From performance to underlying graphics, to interactive experience and a cross-device ecosystem, Xiaomi aims to deliver a complete system experience through SurgeOS 3 that's pleasing to the eye, easy to use, and smooth to the heart. SurgeOS 3 will begin rolling out in beta on August 29th for the first batch of models, including the Xiaomi 15 series, Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro 12.5, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, Redmi K80 Pro, and K80 Ultra Edition, with more products to follow.
Smoothness comes from both technology and physical experience.
Smoothness is commonplace for operating systems, but achieving a level of user-tangible smoothness is a whole other level. The SurgeOS 3 upgrade prioritizes this level of smoothness.
In terms of performance, it features a new "hotspot compilation acceleration" technology. Simply put, not all CPU instructions are equally efficient. Some instructions, while still executable, are extremely inefficient. SurgeOS 3 optimizes compilation of these "inefficient instructions" to optimize CPU execution efficiency and avoid wasted resources. Xiaomi Lab data shows that across all scenarios, CPU instruction execution is reduced by up to 4%, while energy efficiency is improved by up to 10%. This means the system remains stable and smooth even under high loads.
It's worth noting that this isn't a single optimization. The proprietary microarchitecture scheduler introduced in SurgeOS 2 last year already made the CPU more intelligent in load scheduling. SurgeOS 3 further refines fundamental performance by rewriting the kernel and hotspot libraries. The result: even under heavy loads like small game windows, screen recording, and countdowns, the system can still launch 22 apps continuously and smoothly, without any lag.
Behind this, Xiaomi collaborated with SGS International Certification and the China National Institute of Standardization to define the "Standard for Smooth Application Launch in Heavy-Load Scenarios," providing an industry benchmark for a smooth experience.
Animations are smoother, windows appear smoother.
If CPU scheduling is related to "internal system efficiency," then graphics rendering directly determines the perceived smoothness of the system. SurgeOS 3's upgrade in this area is known as "window rendering sinking" technology.
Previously, animation rendering was typically performed at the application level, inevitably limiting resource allocation. In SurgeOS 3, window animation rendering has been moved down to the system level, effectively creating a dedicated "first-class" channel. The result is an 18.9% reduction in window animation frame drops and a 60% reduction in desktop icon rendering load.
This isn't just a performance improvement. Users will intuitively experience faster app launches and smooth animations in daily use. The system also includes over 100 new animation effects, meticulously refined to perfection. Whether opening or closing apps, switching desktops, or floating small windows, there's a more consistent and rhythmic feel. This graphics optimization isn't limited to smartphones; Xiaomi devices across the entire ecosystem, including TVs and watches, also enjoy the same basic experience, enhancing interaction consistency across the entire ecosystem.
Refining Functional Details
Surge OS 3 isn't content with low-level optimizations; it also introduces numerous new innovations within system functionality.
For example, the newly launched "Xiaomi Super Island" integrates focused notifications with device notifications, allowing users to easily view essential information at a glance. It also supports pull-down widgets and drag-and-drop sharing: for example, taxi information can be dragged directly into a WeChat chat window for smooth sharing with friends. This "use-and-go" experience isn't just about stacking features; it minimizes the interaction path.
In terms of imaging, Surge OS 3 introduces dynamic wallpapers based on AIGC. These aren't just simple animated images; through generative technology, they bring the system desktop to life. For example, a snapshot of your daily life can be transformed into a vivid dynamic wallpaper, adding a touch of warmth to the desktop.
The cross-device experience is also worthy of attention. Pengpai OS 3 not only connects Xiaomi's entire ecosystem of devices, including phones, tablets, TVs, and cars, but also supports integration with the Apple ecosystem for the first time. Installing the "Mi Connect Service" on iPhone, iPad, and Mac allows users to enjoy features like notification forwarding, message replies, and desktop sharing. Notifications from Xiaomi phones can be directly transferred to iPhones, and even remote control of Xiaomi phones can be performed from iPad or Mac, a feat previously unimaginable.
In addition, hundreds of detailed optimizations have been made to common functions like the photo gallery, calendar, weather, and status bar. While these upgrades may not be noticeable, they make the system smoother and more natural over extended use.
In Pengpai OS 3, "Super Xiao Ai" has also taken a major leap forward.
This time, its multimodal interaction portal has been completely revamped, providing intelligent suggestions based on the current screen content each time it is activated. For example, when a map is displayed, Xiao Ai can proactively offer navigation options; when a foreign language appears in a chat history, it can instantly provide translations.
Going one step further is the "Circle Screen" feature. Users simply circle a piece of content on the screen, and Super Xiao Ai understands its core semantics and provides the corresponding functionality. Whether it's question-and-answer, translation, or redirecting to a service, it's all within one step.
This is driven by the power of large-scale models and data training. Xiaomi stated that by the end of September, Super Xiao Ai will support 80 mainstream applications and over 1,000 functional scenarios. This makes it no longer a passive voice assistant, but one capable of "recognizing, thinking, and executing" like a human, becoming a truly full-ecosystem AI assistant. Notably, Xiaomi has also received China's first "Mobile Terminal Operating System AI Capability Certificate," achieving a five-star rating.
While emphasizing smoothness and usability, Xiaomi has also not neglected security. SurgeOS 3 introduces edge-to-cloud privacy computing, ensuring that security keys are always stored on the user's end, preventing information leakage even if the server is compromised. Xiaomi's proprietary MiTEE security system has also received CCRC EAL5+ certification, one of the highest levels in China. It operates independently in an isolated environment, specifically processing sensitive data, safeguarding user privacy from the ground up.
Final Word
Looking back at the entire launch event, the focus of Surge OS 3 wasn't flashy new features, but rather the enhanced "smoothness" from the ground up, through interactions, and ultimately the ecosystem. Through CPU compilation optimizations, down-level graphics rendering, and refined animations, the system experience is more coherent and fluid. Super Island, dynamic wallpapers, and cross-device connectivity make functionality more natural. Combined with upgrades to Super Xiao Ai and privacy and security, the result is a user experience that feels "smooth at every turn."
With the initial rollout of Surge OS 3 to the first batch of devices on August 29th, Surge OS 3 will gradually roll out to more devices. It's foreseeable that, through the integration of AI and the ecosystem, Xiaomi is evolving its operating system from a "tool" to an "experience," making "smoothness" a true daily experience for users.
