Xiaomi MIUI ROM and Apps Going Open Source

Chinese company Xiaomi decided to go open source with its highly-acclaimed MIUI ROM and other Android apps. There are no details on the reasons behind the company's decision, but in the end this will benefit Android users.

The company's ROM and other applications are being made available for the general public starting today via GitHub. Coincidence or not, this is the same git repository used by the CyanogenMod team.

Although not all Xiaomi apps are now available for download for the masses, the Chinese company promised full access to all its software in the near future.

[ADMARK=1[Those unfamiliar with Xiaomi and their MIUI ROM should know that this is one of the few custom ROMs that can really turn and Android smartphone into a unique device.

Currently, Xiaomi released source for the Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread of its customized ROM, but also confirmed it will release an Ice Cream Sandwich, which is now in development.

Xiaomi's move will allow developers to cook different MIUI ROMs or even “borrow” parts of the original MIUI and implement it their own customized ROMs.

While there's no telling what exactly it will happen with the Chinese company, Xiaomi promised to pass on any query received from other Android users.

“Currently we have a very close working relationship with the developers / test engineers and product managers at Xiaomi. Your queries are being passed on so please continue to give us your comments.”

Hopefully, part of the team that made the MIUI project possible will continue to work and develop new apps and customized ROMs for the Android community.

Android users and developers who would like to download the latest MIUI ROM and apps released by Xiaomi can head over to GitHub and check the run down the items that have been made open source.