Meet Xiaomi HyperOS 2’s ‘Fluid Cloud’ feature

While developing HyperOS 2, Xiaomi actually did something different to the user interface and added a feature in the notification bar called “Fluid Cloud.” Xiaomi borrowed this design element, but without considering the adoption of the “Dynamic Island” design made so famous by Apple, Xiaomi has reinvented an analogous kind of interaction that is purely Xiaomi’s.

What is Fluid Cloud in HyperOS 2?

In HyperOS 2, Xiaomi has introduced what is dubbed “Fluid Cloud”-a more refined notification system placed at the top left of the screen. This feature replaces the old HyperOS text label with a compact, dynamic icon that is very smooth in interaction. As these are quite different from traditional notifications, Fluid Cloud is designed to be more intuitive and fluid with easily accessible animations and quick options right from the notification bar.

This new approach fits within the overall vision Xiaomi has for HyperOS 2-minimalistic, streamlined, and so much functional. Instead of using text, Xiaomi uses an icon in order not to occupy too much space on the screen so that users would be more oriented for content than to the interface itself, which will make it look less cluttered.

How is that compared to Apple’s Dynamic Island?

Apple’s Dynamic Island, first appearing on the iPhone 14 Pro, quickly gained notice for its particularly ingenious use-the notch area-for notifications and ongoing activities. It morphs dynamically along with various app interactions to show things like music controls, call information, and live activity updates. This approach was lauded for the creative usage of screen space and melding functionality with the hardware cutout.

While not an exact clone, the conceptual similarities are there with Xiaomi’s Fluid Cloud, but it differs in design philosophy. Xiaomi has taken a more subtle approach by placing the Fluid Cloud on the upper left corner and keeping the notification area non-intrusive. The Fluid Cloud utilizes core interactions to provide a clean, icon-based notification that steers away from the sometimes complicated animations of the Dynamic Island for likely much quicker access to information and greater battery efficiency.

Focus Notifications in HyperOS 2

Other features included in the upgrade of HyperOS 2 are “Focus Notifications,” which are engineered to display important notifications to a user without overwhelming him or her. In fact, this was an important novelty for the modern user, flooded by notifications that could be confusing or distracting. With Focus Notifications, the user will only see what is essential and stay up-to-date without continuous disruptions.

Is Fluid Cloud more appealing than Dynamic Island?

Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference. Dynamic Island is full of charm because of its lively animations and full integration into the iOS ecosystem. It’s engaging, good-looking, and provides fast access to running tasks. On the other hand, Xiaomi’s Fluid Cloud is available for users who prefer minimalism, offering a practical alternative that is focused on simplicity and efficiency. Located in the upper left corner, the Fluid Cloud is perhaps less intrusive and easier to reach across than the center-oriented Dynamic Island. Second, by collapsing text to an icon, Xiaomi further cleans this up, making it less intrusive for some users.

Concluding remarks Xiaomi’s iteration of the Fluid Cloud in HyperOS 2 is a great middle ground for innovation and retaining an identity with a more thoughtful and user-centered take on Dynamic Island. That could appeal to a set of users who enjoy Xiaomi for its own flavor. Adding Focus Notifications to this list, HyperOS 2 proves Xiaomi is serious about productivity and usability. As more users get their hands on HyperOS 2, it will be interesting to see how they receive Fluid Cloud and how well it can fare in everyday use. For now, though, Xiaomi fans have a pretty compelling new feature to try out that blends efficiency with just a wee touch of style.

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