1). To be honest, it is not fair to compare the 2014 chip-set with 2015 chip-set, definitely the new chip-set has better performance.
2). In term of performance speed the octa core is faster then quad core, but not double the speed or significant different. So far I tested most of the apps are running well in Lollipop, yet to find none compatible apps in Lollipop. Tested SHowbox, MovieHD, Kodi, TVapp.so, PopCornTime and etc are running well in Lollipop with Rockchip 3368.
3). HDMI 2.0 improve the throughput between TV and the player. This is industries standard which ready to support the upcoming TV industries market. New TV are already come with HDMI 2.0 port, the player has to follow the industries standard for future requirement.
4). DTS-HDMA, TrueHD, TruHD Atmos passthru are tested OK. But need to manual switch audio out from LPCM to HDMI. Hisilicon chip-set is auto switch.
5). Yes, Kodi and Skype are factory installed. But I do not see any different between the manual install. Google Play Store also factory install for Q16 & Q5 Quad core model.
6). No HITV and IMGOTV fro factory default. I have presintalled HITV, but IMGOTV not possible.
7). Ya, it could direct compete with Minix model.

u tried hitv on yr mibox?

as far as i know, hitv only works on himedia devices, does not work on other androids.

i hv used hitv for >2 yrs now on q5ii and q16, very happy.

no need vpn.

of the 6 streams, 3 are reliable, the rest much less so.

there are 2 which are usually good, can get hd or "superhd" quality most of the time.

should be same with h8.

Thank you for inquiry.

1). Beside HiTV, CloudTV, there are Kodi, Showbox, PopcornTime and more. Sorry bro, could not disclose here publicly, otherwise it will be throttled by local ISP. The 30++ apps included tools such as backup and etc. If include Chinese apps, there are more 50++ apps in the repository. Anything you have in mind just tell us, we could install for you.
2). Those famous Chinese apps such as YouKu, Qiyi, Tuduo has Geo restriction, but there are many 3rd party Chinese streaming apps that work as relay agent to relay the movies outside China, no VPN required.
3). I do not want to discuss HiTV openly here, we do not do any tricks in the HiTV. Free stuff need some effort, the apps are come and go, for example PPS and QVOD are very good apps, unfortunately it were killed. However, when one app is killed, new apps will born again. As well as you follow the thread closely, you will get the new apps.
4). Kodi are none commercial developed platform, I did not see much Geo restriction in Kodi. Maybe you use the wrong Addons, read more about Kodi in the below thread. Similarly. Kodi addons are come and go, switch your addons when necessary.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry77021428
5). Sorry bro, Himedia do not copy Mibox 3 as the hardware manufacturer should focus on the box and not the content. Media content might attract buyer for short term. In long terms, the hardware manufacturer will stop those illegal content service. As mentioned in point#2, there are many developer already done that which relay the content from the main China stream sources. Similarly Genesis in Kodi also relay the movies from the major streaming source from US and Europe.