Not recording but some apps allow you to download.

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.

This is not true bro,  Minix do not support BDMV,  3D ISO  and more audio video codec.  Minix is using 2014 chipset which is not comparable with 2015 chipset. Putaside the latest features HDMI 2.0 and 4K@60fps in H8,  Minix do not have native player,  H8 and Q16 has build in native Himedia player to play video.  MINIX is using 3rd party player such  MX player or XBMC.