The new firmware FW003 (20151210) for MINIX NEO U1 TV Box Release

We have good news, there is a new firmware for MINIX NEO U1 TV Box (FW003, 20151210 release). Another good news is that the users with FW001 & FW002 may update to FW003 simply by OTA update (via MINIX OTA app).The MINIX company cares about good relations with users and tries to provide good support their devices. In late November, we wrote about the new NEO U1 from MINIX, and now the company released a new firmware for the new TV Box, nice !!!. If someone has not yet decided or are planning to buy, MINIX NEO U1 is available on Geekbuying for $129.90 and $149.90 with Minix NEO A2 Lite Air Mouse, on Amazon and Gearbest. NEO U1 TV Box review coming soon.

For those who have not yet had an opportunity to look at the MINIX NEO U1 remind its specification:

• CPU –  Amlogic S905 quad core ARM Cortex-A53 @ up to 2.0GHz
• GPU – Penta-core Mali-450MP Up to 750 MHz
• Memory – 2GB DDR3
• OS – Android 5.1.1
• Storage – 16GB eMMC 5.0 flash + micro SD card slot
• Video Output – HDMI 2.0 up to 4K @ 60 Hz with HDMI CEC support
• Audio – HDMI, optical S/PDIF, and 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks
• Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (2×2 MIMO) and Bluetooth 4.1
• USB – 3x USB 2.0 host ports, 1x micro USB OTG port
• Misc – Power button, IR receiver, Kensington lock ready
• Power Supply –  5V/3A
• Dimensions – 12.7 x 12.7 x 2.2 cm / 4.99 x 4.99 x 0.86 inches
• Weight – 0.278 kg

New firmware FW003 – 20151210, can be downloaded from here. What we find in the new firmware FW003 update list:

1. Default of video self-adaption set to Level 2
   [OFF: no processing; Level 1: 23.976fps videos are processed under 1080p60Hz mode; Level 2: Switching TV’s output according to source video fps]
2. Fixed some EAC3 files passthrough bug
3. Fixed Kodi 4K video playback issues [can’t play with full screen, need one click to see the picture]
4. Improved video playback smoothness
5. Added long press menu button hide/show bottom status bar function
6. Extended the long press power button into recovery mode timer to 6 seconds [was 2 seconds]
7. Fixed wrong external storage size being reported bug
8. Added Vidon 3D patch (app is not included)
9. Introduced new JAVA audiotrack api for Kodi passthrough (new MINIX XBMC app required)
   http://minix.com.hk/downfile/MINIX_XBMC_20151209.apk
10. Added sound recorder apk
11. Fixed earphone volume adjust problem

OTA package size:
From FW001 -> FW003 : 31.79MB
From FW002 -> FW003: 30.71MB

OTA update procedures:
1.) All Apps -> System update (MINIX OTA app) -> Check for updates
2.) Download the OTA update package (FW001->FW003, 31.97MB, FW002->FW003, 30.71MB)
3.) Confirm to update and let the system to reboot and complete the update process

To enable the new Kodi passthrough:
1.) Go to Settings -> Audio -> Digital Sounds
2.) Configure as “HDMI” or “SPDIF” depends on your amplifier type
3.) If you don’t have an amplifier, simply leave this option as “PCM”
4.) In Settings -> Security & Restrictions -> Unknown sources -> On -> OK to confirm
5.) Download and install the new MINIX XBMC apk which supports the new passthrough mechanism
http://minix.com.hk/downfile/MINIX_XBMC_20151209.apk
6.) Enable passthrough in Kodi settings, you DON’T have to if you don’t have an amplifier.
(DO NOT enable DTS-MA or DTS-HD receiver options because they are not supported, yet)

MINIX team also prepared applications for NEO U1 for remote control for smartphones with Android, can be downloaded here.

Source: minixforum