Xiaomi Recruits Chinese Testers For Android-To-Windows 10 Mobile ROM Upgrade

In mid-March, we first brought you news that Microsoft and Xiaomi were looking to get Mi 4 smartphone owners the opportunity to leave Android behind and test out the Windows 10 operating system for smartphones (now known as Windows 10 Mobile).

“This partnership will allow Xiaomi and Microsoft to get direct user feedback and continue to improve the experience for China,” said Microsoft at the time. “Microsoft is thrilled to see Xiaomi embracing Windows 10 and offering this great value to their customers. We’re excited to see the feedback we receive from this audience.”

It looks a though Microsoft and Xiaomi are moving on to the next phase in their relationship, as Xiaomi is now calling for beta testers to try out the new Windows 10 Mobile ROM for Mi 4. Xiaomi has posted a link on its website where prospective testers can put their name down to join the program.

However, there is one huge caveat to what seems to be an awesome opportunity for Xiaomi Mi 4 owners. You have to live in Beijing, China in order to participate in the Windows 10 Mobile ROM program. This rather specific requirement is stipulated because testers need to be able to travel to Microsoft Research Asia, which just so happens to be located in Beijing, to “to communicate directly with Microsoft Windows 10 development team of engineers.”

Testers who are selected for the program will not only receive access to the Windows 10 Mobile ROM, but they will also be given special Windows 10 souvenirs and a plaque that honors their participation.

For everyone else that would like to try out Windows 10 Mobile on hardware that was originally designed for Android, there’s always the HTC One M8 for Windows.