I think the fact that iOS vs Android often circles back to living without iMessage and FaceTime shows just how dominant those apps are in the US. I would also venture a bet that most everyone that craps on iMessage would download day one if Apple made it available on Android.
Maybe so just in US and AUS but the rest of the world I would say it would be a mediocre take up at best
Although last stats we had Imessage was still 2nd to FB messenger in the US it maybe a closer call now, but there are still 10's on millions in the US who cannot use IMessage
The only reason take up in the US would fare better is it's one of a few countries that still have bundled compulsory sms/mms with data packages from the main carriers and so the integration of "E" messages along with standard sms/mms seems more coinvent
Elsewhere in the world sms/mms is a dying trend and a combined app is almost trivial as sms/mms is least likely to be used over other potential free services
I suspect many actually like the fact that they can control their tiny budgets on data etc by solely using an e message app service or free wifi and not accidently spam sms/mms to friends that cost both to send and receive especially with mms.
We should not assume and presume that typical trends in the US/West (re monthly data and even sms/mms) are typical. Many mange their connectivity via free WiFI at work or shops/bars etc and often buy data on a daily basis
For these 100's of millions Imessenger brings little to the party and that's why Whatsapp is dominant and why no one is interested in writing a similar app to Imessenger
Meanwhile back on topic
I think outside these forums and us tech enthusiasts the Eco systems are mainly hype and FOMO opposed to reality is the driving force
Sure we all like you can do this that and the other from numerous devices but for most do they need too, especially given the cost
Making things easier and invisible continuity sure big thumbs up, security cams on your mobile sure but i doubt many are sitting on the couch each night deciding which one of 16m colors to set your lounge lights too etc.
The ECO systems at home are more about diminishing the number of remotes
and having a central local for making settings or expanding , but not for endless fiddling on a daily basis ie set it and forget it
I think my wife is more of a typical smart watch user and apart from the oblivious steps, heat rate count her primary usage is a screening service to see if a message or notification is worth more of her time. I think like many she is not debating to switch or adjust X,Y ,Z around the house with her watch
There is already a considerable overlap of features on our devices and adding more because you can I do not see this as a win win and hype for justification of over spending on something you are likely to only use occasionally if at all for most
I see little to recommend by not having a mixed eco. Having all your eggs in one basket particularly with Apple who are almost fickle on what they allow or not is almost a contradiction of what a ECO should be
By choosing your products wisely and within your budget and expected range of usage is the way to go IMO and Google currently gives a greater freedom for all tastes other than those that want the same logo every time
