Final Beta Firmware Update v.1.6.81 for Z8 Series, Z Alpha, Z+ Neo and CC devices.

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1st Official Post
    • Official Post

    Final Beta Firmware Update v.1.6.81 for Z8 Series, Z Alpha, Z+ Neo and CC devices.

    Firmware : v.1.6.81 Final Beta


    WARNING:

    Install and use at your own risk. Software cannot be rolled back after installation.

    If serious errors occur, please do factory reset.

    Please keep in mind, this is Beta and could have also bugs or act unstable, it is for testing and not for productive use 24h with the box.

    If you don`t want to test, please wait until official comes out. No Forum support in other threads if beta is in use, beta issues should be discussed only in this thread.

    HowTo Install:

    Home Menu -> Software Update -> press "0227" -> Red Icon and Beta Test SW appear (right corner) -> Press Red Button -> Now is the Firmware shown, press now "OK" button for install.

    The install process and reboot works automatically! Please don`t turn off the box or plug out the power supply, could damage the box. The reboot after update needs always much longer than usual, please be patinate and let the box finish the install. If necessary reboot later once again.

    Beta FW 1.6.81 discussions only in this thread here. Other open threads with Beta issues will be deleted instantly!

    We need to collect data and feedback's on one place, thank you for your understanding.


    Change Log:


    Firmware : 1.6.81 Final Beta

    • IMP: Updated system TLS root certificates
    • IMP: Updated Market app
    • FIX: Downloader app not working
    • Bug fixes, optimizations, and performance enhancements


    Important:

    For user who installed already Beta Final 1.6.8, there is no difference to this new 1.6.81 and no need to install it again. In clear words, if 1.6.8 already installed the 1.6.81 will not show up.

    • Official Post
    Quote from FinishFlag

    Ok, so you are saying that 1.6.8 (or 1.6.81 which is the same) "Beta Final" versions are indeed the final versions, and there will not be another non-Beta release?

    Correct. 1.6.8 or 1.6.81 (depending on when you installed the update) is the final release.

    Unsolicited PMs for support will be ignored.

    Duplicate support requests to the forums and helpdesk will be ignored.

    Quote from Barboz t

    Hello, will there be a fix for the problem we're experiencing regarding the inability to watch trailers on YouTube? We had an older product, but it worked fine before this issue.

    Try remove cache from youtube.

    Restart box Try again.

    If that not helps, try remove cache again and uninstall latest updates from youtube.

    Quote from Lucky133

    Try remove cache from youtube.

    Restart box Try again.

    If that not helps, try remove cache again and uninstall latest updates from youtube.

    no, all this does not work to open YouTube and hence to watch trailers from within MOL2 on Z8 series.

    The only solution is to install the last version of SmartTube from Downloader (because the 30.56 or better 30.68 is not in the market) , but even with SmartTube updated, Formuler would have to update MOL2 in the Z8 series the same way that they did on MOL2 in the Z10 series to enabled to chose to watch trailers using SmartTube in the Player Options of MOL2, also, Formuler should update the Market of the Z8 series to add the latest version of SmartTube 30.68 (please also update Z10 market by changing 30.56 to 30.68, and remove 30.48 if possible)

    here is what I found on Gemini AI about this problem of VOD/SERIES list empty on Z8 serie :

    • Server-Side Updates (Provider): The issue isn't that your box changed, but that your provider's servers did. By late 2025, many IPTV panels (like Xtream Codes or other middleware) deployed security updates and new compression protocols for Series/VOD. The Z8's MyTVOnline 2 (MOL2) app is no longer updated to "speak" these newer API languages.
    • "Legacy" Status: As of January 2026, the Formuler Z8 is officially an older device. Formuler has stopped releasing patches to adapt MOL2 to new provider requirements. In April 2025, servers were still compatible; by December 2025, they moved on to newer tech.
    • Cache Saturation: During the 2025 holiday season, providers added massive amounts of new content. The database file the Z8 has to download became too large for its limited RAM to "parse" (read) properly. The box "times out" before it can display anything, resulting in an empty list.

    Solutions for a "Totally Empty" Series List

    If your list is totally empty (no categories, no titles), it confirms that the communication "bridge" between the MOL2 app and the server's database is broken. Here is how to fix it in January 2026:

    1. Cold Boot (Hardware Reset)

    A simple remote restart isn't enough.

    Physically unplug the power cable from the back of the box.

    Wait 60 seconds.

    Plug it back in. This forces the system to re-download fresh XML files from the server instead of reading a corrupted or incomplete cache.

    2.Use the Xtream Codes API (The most effective fix)

    If you are using "Portal" mode (MAC address starting with 00:1A:79...), this is the most likely method to fail on a legacy device in 2026.

    Ask your provider for Xtream Codes credentials (URL, Username, Password).

    In MOL2, create a new PORTAL with Login required (XC)

    This method is much lighter on resources and often successfully retrieves lists where the "MAC/Portal" mode fails.

    3. External Player

    If the list appears but won't play, go to Settings > Player Options in MOL2 and select an external player like VLC or MX Player. These apps are updated more frequently than the Z8's internal player and can handle 2026 video codecs.

    Personally, I could not try yet those solutions as I am waiting for a friend with this problem to contact me, but 1 thing is strange is that I have a Z-Alpha that does not have this VOD/SERIES problem with the same iptv provider and with portal in Mac Adress.. I will update here later if I find a solution.

    Quote from Lucky133

    Try remove cache from youtube.

    Restart box Try again.

    If that not helps, try remove cache again and uninstall latest updates from youtube.

    Hello, I confirm that everything you mentioned doesn't work for me either. Formulater seriously needs to keep its products up-to-date, even if this one is getting old. It's pushing users to consume more, especially since they release so many models with no real innovation and they're getting more and more expensive.

    Quote from furto

    fichier svp update.img

    There are no update files for boxes to download.

    Only over te air.

    Tey factory reset your box.

    Don't know exactly but there is a Tutorial. Something with push volume up buttton till led blinks or sonon box and then press red button.

    Bit not for sure. Please search google or forum for the factory reset steps.

    I thought you got z8 or so right?

    Anyway. For all boxes are tutorials. Google, forum and youtube.

    Goodluck my friend