The problem of "devices that only work with one
cloud service" is very similar to the problem of "websites that only
work in Internet Explorer" which we had 10 years ago. I think Mitchell is right in saying Mozilla can
again play an important role in fixing this problem.
Data sync is a very central part of this. There is a movement towards connected devices that are hard-coded to one specific cloud service, which limits the freedom of the user: Android syncs to Google, WindowsPhone syncs to Microsoft, iOS syncs to Apple, and soon IoT devices will probably only sync to their manufacturer's IoT platform.
To kick off this discussion, I think our mission should be to build
"net-neutral connected devices", not the pre-configured "service
end-points" which most internet users currently own, simply because
that's what they find in the shops.
Thoughts?