The way I see it, whatever features you know about Ultra Box, Play from Start, cloud recording, Video On Demand, bla bla bla,.... ...all of them is available with this Connected HD box.
The biggest drawback of this Connected HD box is, it does not support 4K UHD content.

That means, no 4K VOD for you, no Astro UHD ch780 for you, so most likely no 2160p UHD resolution output via HDMI either. If you don't use UHD TV, or you just don't care about the 4K UHD stuff, then this Connected HD box probably suits you.
And as a result, no need to think about HDCP 2.2 nonsense, maybe DCSS LNB may not be compulsory anymore since it won't be receiving UHD channels from VH frequencies, basically many of the customers that previously unable to hop on Ultraview platform due to all those technical limitations nonsense would now have the chance to experience the top main features of what Astro wish to offers to all its paying customers, which are those Play from Start, cloud recording, Video On Demand, bla bla bla,....

They did not publish close up photos of how the Connected HD box look like, especially the rear panel (to see the I/O ports), so can't really comment much about that part.

But from the pictures I see on Astro website, it seems to me that.... The overall form factor of the Connected HD box seems to be slightly smaller than Ultra Box? (refer top picture)

Also, Connected HD box's remote control seems to be improvised compared to Ultra Box's remote

*tap/click image to view in larger resolution

Compared to existing Ultra Box remote, I can see that the Mute volume button is back, the microphone (still reserved for future use) is no longer there, button layouts are obviously changed, dedicated buttons for "APPS", "STORE", "MOVIES" and "SPORTS", overall remote control design changed, and more...
And finally, thank you for bringing back dedicated rewind/forward button and play/pause buttons... 
Got to hands-on to experience how it feels like first...

So who's eligible for the trial of this Connected HD box, which appears to be limited to the first 1000 users?

For Ultra Box, your package subscription must be Starter Pack (RM61.32/month) and above. For Connected HD box, at least Family Pack (RM39.95/month) will do.

Pretty much whatever you need to know, are all in this complete FAQ and T&C files as attached below (also for archive purposes):
https://assets.website-files.com/5de8742513...0Box%20Beta.pdf
https://assets.website-files.com/5de8742513...0Beta%20TNC.pdf

If Astro have deleted the PDF file from its website, download it here:
[attachmentid=10720487][attachmentid=10720488]
In conclusion, and in my opinion, Connected HD box is simply the downsized, "lite" version of Ultra Box, where Astro can save some costs from it, especially to those who don't need those 4K UHD "luxury" features with more powerful CPU specs and stuff.
For more info, visit https://product.astro.com.my/trial-connecthd


Btw, that "...get your voices heard" part, look nice on paper, but in reality that doesn't apply to me also, after what I experienced since I join Ultra Box beta programme on 2018. 

Channel 921 (TEST1701) now showing colour bar... 
     

You guys here able to view that channel 921 on your Astro box?

I received an email from Astro about the beta programme... Looks that there's a pretty new feature coming soon for Ulti/Ultra Box users...   

Opps... It says "A reminder that you shall not share, publish, blog, or disclose this programme to any party (Detail T&C please click HERE)"
Seems that Astro is not happy that people like me posting stuff like this online 
Well sorry guys, I'll just have to honour that then  For those who is still a beta programme participant here, just shhhhh....
Here is the detailed T&C:


But I believe the new feature will be rollout to the public soon, so just wait la.