Our galaxy is supposed to collide with the Andromeda galaxy in a few billion years. Maybe ST3 will be ready by then? LOL!

Once we are closer to release we'll have more details for you. Right now we also do plan on keeping SampleTank FREE, free. This means that in the future you'll have something similar that will take you 64 bit. Besides that I can't give any more of the details. We have them, we know them and we have seen and used the new sound library. Its on its way, we just aren't leaking any info yet. Soon enough, though to many soon can never come soon enough. We're working on it.

Cool Obi. After they're done with that, can they start figuring out a way to save the galaxy?

SampleTank 3 is more than just an update, it appears to be an entirely new product. 

The bar has been raised considerably during SampleTank's long lifespan and has continued during ST3's development. They need this version to be something special, something able to compete with the top-notch libraries that have come along since ST was first introduced way back in 2001 (!). I'm guessing they're attempting to do away with every current limitation (e.g. lack of velocity layers) while greatly improving the quality of the samples themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if ST3 really blows minds when it finally sees the light of day.

The unexpectedly-long gestation may be the result of the Duke Nukem Effect. If you remember that video game, it was a huge hit because it introduced technical improvements beyond all the competition. The company then proceeded to work on the next sequel with the goal of blowing past all the competition once again. Unfortunately, the technology was a moving target and their desire for perfection assured they would never catch up. The company went bust, the game was sold to some investors who released it in a crude, unfinished state (and it sucked).

Don't expect any huge discounts for existing customers. After all, who on this planet is not already a customer? I expect an introductory price, perhaps $150-$200, and a regular price comparable to mid-tier Kontakt-based packages, perhaps $250-$300. That's my guess.

I am betting on a "starter" version with a basic core library, a bunch of expansions and a full package and maybe even a "custom shop" for expansions.

No matter how good the engine is to really go up against Kontakt it will also have to encourage third party developers. This is probably where Yellowtools fell down. At one time the engine was right up there with Kontakt and the factory library was (still is) excellent. But very limited third party made it a less attractive proposition and they have not updated for a long time now.

Mach Five seems to be getting some excellent third party developers on board. First Acoustic Samples and now Sonokinetic.

We have plans right now to please every current customer when it is released, but no word yet on the details. I mean we have them, but there are always those few...Its coming. Its being worked on.