Looks like ATIK has finally realised the market is passing them by. I would wait at least six months. They will need to provide a sensor window heater, as both ZWO and QHY now do.
ATIK's Beta pricing is between $1600 - $2000 AUD, then you need to add GST on top of that. Their product pricing will not stand imho. Even Beta prices makes them pretty pricey compared to ZWO and QHY for a smaller sensor.
Who makes the sensor?
I think if you well design a camera you may not need a sensor window heater. I am not sure if QSI, FLI and the others have window heater. As much as QHY and ZWO look interesting, I feel that their 1600-based were a kind of pioneers introducing CMOS cameras for deep space imaging to amateurs, and perhaps their next generation CMOS cameras will be more refined. Speaking of catching up, SX should be soon announcing their KAF 16200 and KAF 16803 based cameras.
I think you're right Suavi - that's always been the way with tech and I can't see this following any different path.
As much I as I like my ASI1600, I fully expect it to be overtaken in capability and refinement. In a few years time I hope to be in a position to upgrade to something even better as the tech improves.