Xiaomi is testing a ‘Pure Mode’ in MIUI to restrict sideloading apps –
TL; DR
- Xiaomi is testing a new system installation mode called “Pure Mode” to limit the side loading of Android apps on MIUI.
- The optional feature is designed to increase the security of Xiaomi phones.
Sideloading apps has long been one of the most sought-after features of the Android ecosystem. It’s one of the biggest things that sets the platform apart from Apple’s iOS that it only allows users to install apps through the company’s official app store. Sideloading apps on Android devices is not without its risks, however. Installing a faulty APK can result in malware ending up on your Android phone. To avoid this, Xiaomi is allegedly testing a new feature for MIUI called “Pure Mode”.
Corresponding ITHome, Xiaomi is currently recruiting internal beta testers for MIUI’s Pure Mode. The feature allows users to block Android apps from sideloading on their Xiaomi phones. Once activated, users cannot install APKs from unofficial sources and app repositories. The pure mode can also be deactivated at any time.
In an introduction to the Pure Mode beta, Xiaomi writes that 40% of the APKs downloaded on its phones fail the security check. Now 10% of downloads are recognized as risky applications.
The main purpose of the new mode is to avoid the risks of accidental APK downloads, operating errors and background installations. It gives users more control over the apps they install on their phones and ensures that they are voluntarily getting those apps from legitimate sources.
It is not yet known when the new Pure Mode will officially appear on MIUI. For now, it appears that beta testing is limited to China. We’ll update this article as we learn more about Pure Mode.
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