At the end of 2023, Xiaomi introduced a significant development for its high-end smartphone market in China: the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro. These devices introduced a brand new operating system, HyperOS, marking a major shift from the company’s established MIUI interface. HyperOS boasts increased power and flexibility, extending its reach beyond smartphones and tablets to include wearables such as the Xiaomi SU7 smartwatch and potentially even in-car entertainment systems.
HyperOS Revealed: A powerful evolution with room for user customization
However, with this innovative interface comes a design decision by Xiaomi that has caused some debate among users. The notification area, which usually includes quick access buttons for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode and other basic settings, has undergone a transformation. In the default HyperOS configuration, these buttons do not have text labels, potentially causing confusion for users unfamiliar with their function.
Although easily fixed through the settings menu, this omission may deter potential buyers who are concerned about an unfamiliar interface. It’s worth noting that the ability to hide shortcut labels isn’t the problem itself—it’s the choice to hide them by default.
Enable text labels for quick access in HyperOS
For those who want to enable the text labels for each hotkey, the process is easy. Go to the app drawer, find the Settings app, and dig into the Notifications & Status Bar section. Here you’ll find the option labeled “Don’t show icon labels” – probably enabled by default. Just disable this option to restore the text labels.
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As shown in the provided image, enabling tags comes with a slight trade-off. With all the labels displayed, the notification area may require scrolling to see all the buttons. However, this problem can be solved by customizing the notification area to include only the most frequently used shortcuts. This way, you can save valuable text labels without sacrificing screen space.
A user-centered approach to interface design
While HyperOS offers a fresh and powerful interface, the default lack of text labels on hotkeys emphasizes the importance of user-centered design principles. A well-designed interface should be intuitive and accessible to users of all technical backgrounds. While offering customization is valuable, default settings should prioritize clarity and ease of use.
Xiaomi’s decision to prioritize minimalist aesthetics over immediate user understanding serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and user experience. Going forward, it would be useful for Xiaomi to re-evaluate the default settings in HyperOS, potentially offering a clear switch between a minimalist look and a more text-heavy notification area to suit different user preferences.
The Future of HyperOS: A Platform for Growth
HyperOS marks a significant step for Xiaomi, signifying its dedication to pushing the boundaries of mobile operating systems. Its ability to adapt to devices as diverse as smartwatches and car entertainment systems suggests a future-oriented approach, paving the way for a more interconnected ecosystem.
However, as HyperOS continues to evolve, user feedback and a commitment to intuitive design must remain paramount. By prioritizing the user experience through clear interfaces and customizable options, Xiaomi can solidify HyperOS’s position as a powerful and user-friendly platform for the future.
How to fix Xiaomi’s HyperOS error and show texts on shortcut icons