Xiaomi (小米) TV Desktop 4.0 begins rolling out tomorrow: adds vertical navigation layout and support for simultaneous playback of multiple events

Rollout and headline features

Xiaomi (小米) will begin rolling out a major upgrade to its TV desktop tomorrow, April 13, ushering the software into a 4.0 era that will reach multiple popular TV models over the coming days. The company says the update aims to deliver a “smoother, richer” TV experience by rethinking the home-screen layout and parental controls. It has been reported that the upgrade also introduces support for simultaneous playback of multiple events, a feature aimed at users who want to follow several live streams or feeds at once.

Interface changes: why vertical navigation?

The most visible change is a move away from the traditional horizontal layout to a vertical navigation design. Why does this matter? Xiaomi says the new layout shortens navigation paths so frequently used functions and recommended content are faster to reach, which should feel noticeably more responsive in everyday use. The company frames the change as a usability and performance uplift rather than a cosmetic tweak.

Parental controls and remote management

Parental controls receive a significant enhancement in 4.0. Parents will reportedly be able to link devices for remote management, enabling one-click TV locking, viewing-time limits, and access to watching reports so caregivers can monitor children’s screen time and viewing behavior from their phones. Xiaomi positions these tools as part of a broader push to make TV use safer and easier to manage for families.

Market and regulatory context

Xiaomi is one of China’s largest consumer electronics firms, and its smart TVs compete with brands such as Huawei (华为) and Hisense (海信) in a crowded domestic market that increasingly emphasizes content moderation and data governance. The company’s claims about smoother navigation and expanded parental controls arrive amid heightened attention in China and abroad to privacy, content controls, and how connected TVs handle user data. IT Home’s report included an advertising disclaimer noting outbound links; as always with staged rollouts, availability and specific features may vary by model and region.