Thanks IM649 for your response!
I bought the Minix X8-H PLUS. Few observations:
- Box is virtually unconfigurable with the included remote control - so make sure you buy a wireless remote with mouse/keyboard. NCIX was out of both the free keyboard (Rii Mini I25) and the Minix A2 Lite, so I'm waiting. Using a wireless mouse in the meantime.
- Being a techie, I'm embarrassed to say: Nothing is self-explanatory, obvious or even logical. Being familiar with Android via your phone means nothing. Plan on spending time with Google. Once you figure it out, it's okay, but the usability could certainly benefit from some Apple-like polish.
- Box comes with "xbmc Minix Edition". I understand Kodi is the latest version of xbmc, however on the X8, I understand it's best to stick with xbmc in order to gain x265 hardware acceleration and stability. I'm going to learn the box using xbmc and eventually try Kodi and maybe ALLUC. Does anyone have any thoughts on Minix xbmc vs Kodi?
- Based on my Google search, the hot apps seem to be: icefilms, 1Channel, megaIPTV / megareborn, video stalker, Genesis and Phoenix
Here's a related URL:
http://www.htpcbeginner.com/best-kodi-addons-2015-for-cordcutters/ but the above list are recommended everywhere. I'm going to try each and will provide feedback in this thread.