Many people claim to be able to predict the future, such as the makers of The Simpsons, who correctly hinted at the Barbie movie’s release on the same day that President Trump was jailed.
However, Bill Gates enjoys a great deal of credibility in the tech industry.
Since he founded Microsoft, he had a solid idea of the direction technology was heading.
In his 1999 book Business @ the Speed of Thought, the software billionaire made some audacious predictions, and all 15 of them have come to pass:
Price comparison sites
It used to take hours of research to locate the greatest deal on anything. We can now quickly compare rates for anything from computer gadgets to insurance quotations thanks to websites like Moneysupermarket and Compare the Market.
According to Gates, “Automated price comparison services will be developed, allowing people to see prices across multiple websites, making it effortless to find the cheapest product for all industries.”
Mobile phones
In 1999, the majority of people carried around large Nokia phones that offered little more than Snake or a brief text or phone conversation. Today, our phones are essentially extensions of who we are.
“People will carry around small devices that allow them to constantly stay in touch and do electronic business from wherever they are,” Gates said, clearly recognising the potential early on.
“They will be able to check the news, see flights they have booked, get information from financial markets, and do just about anything else on these devices.”
Online finance
As Gates predicted, we now have internet banking that manages everything from money transfers to paying for our monthly groceries, so the days of going to the bank for every significant transaction are over.
He also foresaw that the medical industry would become digital, and today we have digital prescriptions and online consultations.
He stated, “People will pay their bills, take care of their finances, and communicate with their doctors over the internet.”
Virtual assistants
Although Gates did not foresee Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa, he did foresee a time when virtual assistants would be commonplace.
The ‘personal companions’ he thought we would have would “connect and sync all your devices in a smart way […] and allow them to exchange data.”
He continued, “It will inform all the devices that you use of your purchases and schedule, allowing them to automatically adjust to what you’re doing.”
Home-monitoring systems
In addition to being accurate regarding handheld technology, Gates also made predictions concerning the future of home security and foresaw the replacement of CCTV cameras with devices similar to today’s Ring doorbells and Google Nest.
“Constant video feeds of your house will become common, which inform you when somebody visits while you are not home,” he stated.
Social media
Maintaining contact with friends in the 1990s typically required making phone calls or going in person. Gates, however, was already envisioning “private websites for your friends and family” that would let us “plan for events” and “chat.”
Although they aren’t particularly “private,” apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter allow us to stay in touch with our loved ones from practically anywhere.
Auto-generated adverts
“Software that knows when you’ve booked a trip and uses that information to suggest activities at the local destination,” the father of three said, anticipating the emergence of tailored advertisements.
“It suggests activities, discounts, offers, and cheaper prices for all the things that you want to take part in.”
Smart adverts
Ads seem to follow us around these days, listening in on our conversations and showing us potential purchases.
Gates also anticipated that our gadgets would feature “smart advertising.”
He added, “They will know your purchasing trends, and will display advertisements that are tailored toward your preferences.”
Sports discussion websites
Indeed, the benefactor foresaw a time when sports fans will be able to watch live game scores and updates, as well as place bets.
He stated, “While watching a sports competition on television, services will allow you to discuss what is going on live, and enter a contest where you vote on who you think will win.”
Links to sites during live TV
Additionally, Gates predicted that future advertisements would incorporate links or QR codes that point viewers to social media or internet material.
He stated, “Television broadcast will include links to relevant websites and content that complement what you are watching.”
Virtual discussion boards
The 68-year-old predicted that the internet would be used for local discussions too: “Residents of cities and countries will be able to have internet-based discussions concerning issues that affect them, such as local politics, city planning, or safety.”
Online communities
“Online communities will not be influenced by your location, but rather, your interest,” Gates stated.
In essence, the tech tycoon witnessed the emergence of international online communities, such as Reddit, where individuals could bond over common interests.
Project-management software
Although Gates came up with the concept more than 20 years ago, apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams have become indispensable in today’s (hybrid) workplace.
“Project managers looking to put a team together will be able to go online, describe the project, and receive recommendations for available people who would fit their requirements,” he stated.
Online recruiting
Job hunting and maintaining relationships with former coworkers have been revolutionised by LinkedIn, and you guessed it, Gates spotted the potential of this kind of professional networking.
He stated, “Similarly, people looking for work will be able to find employment opportunities online by declaring their interest, needs, and specialised skills.”
Business community software
According to Gates, “Companies will be able to bid on jobs, whether they are looking for a construction project, a movie production, or an advertising campaign.” He also saw a time when businesses might place online bids for jobs.
He said this would help ‘both major enterprises’ discover new customers and ‘outsource jobs’ effectively.
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