I wouldn't know for sure, but I can say with soem degree of certainty that if you bought a brand new Shimano reel today it is already out of date.
The reason being - next year's model has already been completed in production and is ready to ship to the UK. However, that is out of date because....
The next model has just been committed to and tooling is already under way. Production starts in December ready for release in late 2008 and on the shelves 2009. However, that is out of date because....
The model after that is on the drawing board and prototypes are at this moment being made. If successful and afetr one or two tweeks are knocked out the tooling for the parts on that will begin soon. However, that is out of date because....
Some smart little guy in the Imagineering Department at Shimano is already working on drawings for the model after that.
You see, we think 3 months or 1 year ahead. The crafty and very clever Japanese, think 100 years ahead!
PS on the article. I received a phone call from a manufacturer today about a new product and he is having a prototype made up. Keep watching! And with this guy, he's genuine and if it is successful there may be a little more than a "few crumbs". I might get a bit of bread with some butter and pickle on it too.