So what is so special about this box, in terms of hardware?

Well lets see.

8 Core Cpu - Based on AMD's Jaguar design

8 gigs of DDR3 Ram

802.11 Wireless with WiFi Direct

HDMI Output, and HDMI Input

USB 3.0 ports

Bluray Drive

The system will support 1080p and even 4K if you have a tv for it. 

Audio wise it will pump out 7.1 channels of audio bliss.

The new controller is slightly larger than the current controller.