I think the Big Three will eventually switch over and start making keyboards based on either Linux or MS OS. In fact the new Motif XS has a Linux based OS now. Of course it is relatively primitive compared to what Lionstracs (with full Linux OS) and OpenLabs (with MS OS) offers. You cannot load or use VSTi's in the Motif XS. But since Yamaha owns Steinberg I think eventually Yamaha will offer a Keyboard that will be able to load and use VSTi's just like Mediastation and Neko can. I think it is the wave of the future and Lionstracs and Openlabs are the frontrunners in the race, but maybe not for long.

Kudos though to Lionstracs and Openlabs for taking the initiative and getting this technology into keyboards. I also think Wersi offers something similar too but I'm not sure if you can use VSTi's in a Wersi, but I know it uses a Windows OS.

Competition is good no matter how you look at it. I am glad there is Lionstracs and Openlabs to counter what the established and much larger Big Three offer. And I hope Lionstracs and Openlabs continue to expand and gain marketshare with the products they offer. You want the future? You have it now with the Lionstracs Mediastation and OpenLabs Neko. My main concern is being able to keep the prices affordable for the masses. That is one of the big reasons people are presently cautious of buying into this new technology. Not only is it unconventional and relatively unknown but the prices are much higher than comparable Sample based keyboards that are currently on the market.

Best,
Mike