A couple of years ago Steve Balmer wrote:  “the battle is moving from one of mobile devices to one of mobile ecosystems. Ecosystems thrive when they reach scale, when they are fueled by energy and innovation and when they provide benefits and value to each person or company who participates.”

But thinking about ecosystems instead of markets doesn’t just apply to mobile phones it applies to products like backpacks and appliances. To services like amusement parks and sporting events. And to brand new devices like Alexa, Google voice and Siri competing for the right to be in your home.

The battle for digital servants/friends is just getting started. The one with the largest installed base will have a huge advantage. These products are sticky once you learn one you will probably be resistant to learning another.

Visualize what it will look like in eight years. the wired servant things. shades, lights, etc. But also friendship things quips, mantras, discussions about communications, remembering things. Will it have a personality? Maybe yes maybe no. testing will tell us what people prefer. Do people want an electronic friend at all? In the past it was true that servants became assistants became friends. There are lots of opportunities in this new digital space that is changing so fast.