The topic of Xiaomi’s new Google TV stick has 1GB of RAM and microUSB — yes, the year is 2026 is currently the subject of lively debate — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
As we await Walmart’s promising new Google TV stick, Xiaomi has just launched its second-gen option, and it begs the question, “What year is it?”
The new second-gen Xiaomi TV Stick HD is not a sequel to the company’s 4K streamer that launched last year, but rather a budget-focused model. The lack of 4K can certainly be forgiven as, despite what many want you to think, there are still plenty of non-4K TVs in active use. Xiaomi says its new streamer can output up to 1080p@60Hz through its built-in HDMI plug.
The Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd-gen) offers just 1GB of RAM, somehow skirting by the rules that Google established back in late 2024. Even Google’s Chromecast with Google TV (HD), also limited to 1080p, offered 1.5GB of RAM. Using the current Google TV experience on merely 1GB of memory sounds like an awful experience, not to mention the fact you’re also stuck with just 8GB of storage.
The hardware itself looks pretty standard, including the same voice remote found on other Xiaomi streamers, but there is one glaring flaw — this thing still uses microUSB. That’s evident in one image Xiaomi shared that sees the port with microUSB’s usual shape. How USB-C was skipped is a mystery, as the standard has been abundant for the better part of a decade now.
The Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is now available in select global regions, but it’s unlikely to officially be sold in the US. The 4K model is available for around $65.
Why it matters
News like this often changes audience expectations and competitors’ plans.
When one player makes a move, others usually react — it is worth reading the event in context.
What to look out for next
The full picture will become clear in time, but the headline already shows the dynamics of the industry.
Further statements and user reactions will add to the story.