First off, I'd like to repeat something that's been said often enough: even as the pace of updates changes, the AX8 will remain a great product. It sounds fantastic, works reliably, and fills a unique niche both in our product portfolio and in the overall world of gear. It enjoyed updates at a rapid pace, keeping up to the extent possible with its contemporaries in terms of amp modeling and effects, plus it received many many "wish list" fulfillments as well as small tweaks designed to satisfy a few very happy fans. It remains an important piece of gear in the touring world, and we will continue to do all we can to support it. I think all of the above exemplifies the philosophy of Fractal Audio Systems to provide a high level of excellence -- through commitment as well as innovation -- in an industry that is generally "hit and run".
As we all know, things change. One of the reasons that the Axe-Fx III and FM3 were created is that the older products reached a point where future updates must be limited. While it isn't impossible that there could be an additional update (or updates) for the AX8, it is very much less likely. These would occur simply because a "right opportunity" presents itself to our engineers. Like all older products, however, AX8 is limited by its onboard resources (DSP, memory, etc.), by the increased complexity of implementing new ideas on an older platform, and by the fact that we as a small company must dedicate efforts not only towards our deeply rooted passion for extending value, but also towards advancement it in a quickly changing environment.
Again, you're not reading anything new here, but I understand and wanted to address the intense feelings that drive the use of a words like "update needed". To answer another question above: yes, the FM3 is about to have its time in the sun, with a long-lasting cycle of rapid updates I'd expect to be more similar to those for Axe-Fx III. Then, someday, in the digital distant future, it too will bask in the glory of of all it has become and step back to stand behind some new young champion, as is the way with all things.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to innovate.