The latest MIUI update will bring fingerprint-unlock shortcuts to the Mi 9/9 SE

Those who own a Xiaomi Mi 9 or 9 SE will get a new software update soon. It has been announced today (March 8, 2019), and includes a new way to navigate the OEM's UI. It is a setting that allows for the addition of 5 shortcuts to the lockscreen. The user swipes upward towards one of them after activating the in-display fingerprint sensor found in these new phones.

This new software feature may allow for decreased latency in opening the apps involved. They apparently include the proprietary Xiaomi payment app, in addition to some social apps. Therefore, it may make for a faster, more efficient deployment of these services, especially if they are locked using the biometric security afforded by these phones.

This feature will also be rolled out to those variants of the Mi 8 that also have under-display fingerprint sensors. Hopefully, it will be implemented well, as it is rather reminiscent of the convenient lock-screen shortcuts found in some custom Android ROMs of the past.