Z8 falls under the category of an stb set top box they tend to provide a more cable like experience and offer mac, m3u and xcodes all under the same interface so avoids setting up multiple apps for no real reason. Additionally formuler stands by their product and release frequent updates this is excellent in terms of always being kept current. Additionally, you can have all providers you have in one place. A firestick is really an entry device and hardware isnt as good either. Issue on formulers is lack of native app supports that are meant for commercial use like Netflix or YouTube. They feel really uncomfortable to handle on it. The z8 may be better in that.
And again, it's only use is really IPTV software, everything else is like every other box. Too 1 dimensional. Shield would be more all in one I would think.
Also interested in this answer and wondering.
Best IPTV app on any device ; supports Portal (like mag ) , m3u (like perfect player ) , and xtream codes API (like iptv smarters)
ability to record livhe channel ( u need an external drive)
Time shift
...
Formuler gives you the cable box feel over the app feel of perfect player or Smarters on the Firestick. If use or have Netflix it's worth knowing that Netflix won't work on a Formula properly , see it as a dedicated TV box.
The proprietary app my tv online is pretty much the best IPTV app you can get. Full time shifting and recording capabilities with the ability to handle buffer up to a max of I believe 20 seconds.