In general, yes, the firmware can be upgraded to add new features in the future. Specifically with regard to timers, the MX-1000 seems to have that capability since it has an internal clock (with date, no less!), but I don't think anybody here knows with any certainty if it is really possible or whether it will be done.

And just to be clear, the manufacturer is currently the only one who can produce firmware updates for these remotes, since the platforms are proprietary.