Posts by Steve78383

    FeatureFormuler Z12 UltraFormuler Z11 ProFormuler Z11 Pro Max
    CPURealtek RTD1319C (Quad-Core)Realtek RTD1319C (Quad-Core)Realtek RTD1319C (Quad-Core)
    GPUMali-G57 MC1Mali-G57 MC1Mali-G57 MC1
    RAM4 GB DDR42 GB DDR44 GB DDR4
    Internal Storage128 GB eMMC16 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC
    Operating SystemAndroid 12Android 11Android 11
    Wi-FiWi-Fi 6E (Tri-Band)Dual-Band 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)Wi-Fi 6 (AX, 2×2)
    EthernetGigabit LANGigabit LANGigabit LAN
    BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
    HDR & AudioDolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+HDR10+, HLG, AV1HDR10+, AV1
    Video Decode4K @ 60fps, AV1, HEVC, H.264, etc.4K @ 60fps, AV1, HEVC, H.264, etc.4K @ 60fps, AV1, HEVC, H.264, etc.
    Ports1× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0, HDMI, Micro-SD, LAN, SPDIF1× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0, HDMI, Micro-SD, LANSame as Z11 Pro
    Remote ControlBacklit BT Remote (BT3)Basic BT Remote (BT1 optional)BT1 Edition (optional)
    Power UseMax 12 W, Standby ~0.5 WMax 12 W, Standby ~0.5 WSimilar
    Dimensions135 × 100 × 24 mm105 × 105 × 21 mm105 × 105 × 21 mm

    The two big disappointments with this box are that Formuler have not future proofed it in respect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. They have adpoted Wi-Fi 6E why? Wi-Fi 7 is the latest available technology and blows Wi-Fi 6E not just out of the water but into the stratosphere when it comes to AV streaming and gaming, big mistake Formuler.

    Wi‑Fi 6E vs Wi‑Fi 7
    Release
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: 2021
    • Wi‑Fi 7: 2024–2025
    Frequency Bands
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
    • Wi‑Fi 7: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
    Max Channel Width
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: 160 MHz
    • Wi‑Fi 7: 320 MHz (double)
    Peak Speed
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: ~9.6 Gbps
    • Wi‑Fi 7: ~46 Gbps
    Latency
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: Low
    • Wi‑Fi 7: Ultra‑low (sub‑millisecond possible)
    Key Technologies
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: Extended spectrum (6 GHz), OFDMA, MU‑MIMO
    • Wi‑Fi 7: Multi‑Link Operation (MLO), 4K QAM, advanced scheduling
    Use Cases
    • Wi‑Fi 6E: Gaming, streaming, VR
    • Wi‑Fi 7: 8K streaming, AR/VR, cloud computing, smart homes

    🔑 Key Differences
    • Speed & Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 offers up to 5× faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6E thanks to wider channels and higher modulation.
    • Efficiency: Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) lets devices use multiple bands simultaneously, improving reliability and reducing congestion.

    Then theres the Bluetooth, why oh why have Formuler used the dated 5.2 version when version 6.1 is available and far superior.

    Bluetooth 5.2 vs Bluetooth 6.1
    Release
    • Bluetooth 5.2: 2020
    • Bluetooth 6.1: 2025
    Core Audio Technology
    • Bluetooth 5.2: Introduced LE Audio with LC3 codec
    • Bluetooth 6.1: Refined LE Audio, improved multi‑stream handling
    Latency
    • Bluetooth 5.2: Reduced compared to earlier versions, but still noticeable in gaming/video
    • Bluetooth 6.1: Ultra‑low latency, optimized for AV sync
    Multi‑Stream Audio
    • Bluetooth 5.2: First version to allow multiple synchronized streams
    • Bluetooth 6.1: Enhanced multi‑stream with better stability and device coordination
    Efficiency
    • Bluetooth 5.2: Improved power usage over 5.1
    • Bluetooth 6.1: Further optimized for battery life + performance balance
    Range & Reliability
    • Bluetooth 5.2: Stable connections, good for IoT and audio
    • Bluetooth 6.1: Improved interference management, more robust in crowded environments
    New Features
    • Bluetooth 5.2: LC3 codec, multi‑stream audio, Isochronous Channels
    • Bluetooth 6.1: Bluetooth Channel Sounding (precise device distance/location), scalability for dense device networks

    Other issues I notice although not too detremental but still disappointing are; no USB-C Gen 3.2 ports, no 8K video support, 128GB storage - why? I can use a removable thumbdrive and finally ...Gigabyte LAN this really should have been at least 10GB LAN capability to match the router market and ISP package developments thus future proofing the box.

    It appears that Formuler have just rebranded the Z11 with some simple upgrades applied and a new remote controller (Wow). Big opportunity missed to bring to the market an outstanding product that would have been in high demand but unfortunately this Z12 Ultra doesn't do anything better than my Homatics Box R. Ah well I'll have to wait and see what the Z13 brings, whenever that might be.

    My Formuler Z8 has recently started having an intermittent loss of audio and screen going dark for approximately 1 second then returning to normal. This is happening usually every 15 to 20 minutes both when streaming and watching programmes via USB memory stick. I have eliminated the TV and the HDMI cable as the problem so must be the box, any ideas on how to resolve?