Xiaomi Mi A1 set to begin beta testing for Oreo update

Users of Xiaomi's Android One Mi A1 are set to get their first taste of Android Oreo, as the OEM has opened up registration for beta testing.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 was released a few months ago and has quickly become a fan favorite, with the mid-ranger managing to offer a blend of fine efficiency, performance, and build in a wholesome package that costs a lot less than what one would expect, considering the prices of smartphones in 2017.

While performance and efficiency may be significant buying motivations, the A1's major selling point is its software. The device was the first Xiaomi device—first device by a major, mainstream OEM, even—to be launched under Google's Android One program. While the Android One program ensured updates directly from Google previously, it would seem that it's been revamped to place that responsibility on the OEMs themselves, which is, perhaps, why the update to Oreo has taken so long to arrive.

We don't expect updates to roll out immediately, as testing and subsequent bug-fixing may take weeks. In fact, we wouldn't expect to see an update rollout until early January, which is a few weeks off the December mark that was touted a while ago.

A1 users who want to register have to provide their IMEIs on the registration page, then sign up for Chinese chat app QQ. Registration is open until 23:59 on December 11, Beijing Time. Details can be found at the link below.