Aril,
Read my post again, it was not about "new and exciting" hardware, it was about "new and exciting" applications.

anyhow as to "new and exciting" hardware.

I am also die hard 8051 user
Well I am not "a die hard 8051 user", have you not seen my many posts recommending the right chip for the job whatever that chip is.

Is Motor control is not real world problem ? Micro with these features are used in speed control of AC,DC & Servo motors/Drives ..... Like 8051 variant Infen produce 6 phase PWM with dead time generation.
So it is available from one manufacturer - just like the PIC.

Though many 8051 variantes provide A/D & PWM but that in very cost version
The Philips 89LPC93x has the above and much more for less than a buck. That is hardly "very cost".

Erik