Here are 15 significant predictions made by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at the turn of the century that have come true. When people hear about future predictions, they often roll their eyes. Many claim to be the next Nostradamus or Baba Vanga, making vague statements and later saying, “See, I told you so,” when one turns out correct. While Gates had a head start by co-founding Microsoft, it’s still remarkable how many of his forecasts have materialized.
With the release of his Netflix documentary, What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates, let’s revisit those 15 predictions that have become part of our everyday lives. Unlike many, Gates has accurately predicted the future, much like the creators of The Simpsons, with bold claims about technology in his 1999 book Business @ the Speed of Thought.
1. Price comparison sites
Price comparison sites such as Compare the Market, Moneysupermarket, and Google Products have simplified finding the best deals on everything from credit cards to sneakers or travel insurance. Bill Gates noted, “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.” This foresight has become a reality, helping consumers save money easily.
2. Mobile phones
It’s the first thing we reach for in the morning and holds so much of our lives, but back in 1999, most people were using Nokia, Siemens, or Philips phones. Sure, they had fun games like Snake, but today’s phones are on a whole different level.
Bill Gates recognized the potential of mobile devices when he shared his thoughts in his book. He said, “People will carry around small devices that allow them to constantly stay in touch and do electronic business from wherever they are. 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.” His vision has come true!
3. Online finance
Not long ago, your local bank was the main place for handling any big financial transactions, but that’s changed. Now, we can shop online, send money to friends, and check our bank balance anywhere—just as Bill Gates predicted.
He also foresaw that healthcare would adapt to the internet, which has turned out to be true. Today, many services provide data-driven healthcare, online consultations, and digital prescriptions. Gates predicted, “People will pay their bills, take care of their finances, and communicate with their doctors over the internet.” His vision has become a reality!
4. Virtual assistants
While Gates didn’t predict we’d all be shouting “Alexa” for jokes, he did foresee the rise of helpful automated assistants. He envisioned these “personal companions” making life easier by connecting and syncing all our devices at home and work. They would check emails, generate grocery lists based on recipes, and adjust to our schedules. His idea of smart technology has come true according to Brenna Cooper posted on ladbible.com.
5. Home-monitoring systems
Gates anticipated technologies like Ring doorbells and Google Nest long before they arrived, viewing them as advanced versions of CCTV cameras. He wrote, “Constant video feeds of your house will become common, which inform you when somebody visits while you are not home.” While he might not have foreseen monitoring our front doors through a mobile app, his prediction was spot on!
6. Social media
In 1999, reaching out to friends often meant using a landline or visiting in person. However, Bill Gates envisioned a world where everyone was hyper-connected. He predicted, “Private websites for your friends and family will be common, allowing you to chat and plan for events.” While social media isn’t quite the same as a “private website,” platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram keep us constantly connected with friends and family, big and small.
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7. Auto-generated adverts
Gates predicted the rise of auto-generated ads, writing, “Software that knows when you’ve booked a trip and uses that information to suggest activities at the local destination. It suggests activities, discounts, offers, and cheaper prices for all the things that you want to take part in.” His vision of personalized advertising has come true!
8. Smart adverts
Ads are everywhere now, and if you mention wanting new shoes to a friend, suddenly you’re seeing trainer ads online. Bill Gates predicted this, saying, “Devices will have smart advertising. They will know your purchasing trends and will display advertisements that are tailored toward your preferences.” His foresight about targeted ads has certainly come to life!
9. Sports discussion websites
In 1999, Gates predicted, “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.” Today, thanks to social media, sports fans can stay updated on scores and discuss controversial moments in real time. His vision of live interaction during events has become a reality!
10. Links to sites during live TV
Gates predicted the rise of ads in our lives, envisioning that future commercials would have links for viewers to look them up online, scan QR codes, or follow brands on social media. He wrote, “Television broadcast will include links to relevant websites and content that complement what you are watching.” His foresight about interactive advertising has certainly come true!
11. Virtual discussion boards
Bill Gates envisioned that “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.” Just like with the rise of social media, he predicted the internet would enable us to connect virtually and discuss important issues with friends and neighbors. His insight has become a reality!
12. Online communities
Bill Gates envisioned a future where human connection would let people share their interests globally and find like-minded individuals regardless of distance. He said, “Online communities will not be influenced by your location, but rather, your interest.” This prediction has certainly come true, allowing us to connect with others around the world!
13. Project-management software
Today’s workplace has become much more efficient thanks to apps like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams. Gates anticipated this shift 25 years ago, envisioning that project managers could go online to describe their projects and receive recommendations for suitable team members. His foresight about digitizing office management has truly come to life!
14. Online recruiting
LinkedIn has revolutionized job hunting and staying connected with current and former colleagues, providing a ready-made CV for recruiters. Gates recognized this need for professional connectivity and predicted, “Similarly, people looking for work will be able to find employment opportunities online by declaring their interest, needs, and specialized skills.” His insight into online job searching has certainly come to fruition!
15. Business community software
Gates predicted the rise of business community software, stating, “Companies will be able to bid on jobs, whether they are looking for a construction project, a movie production, or an advertising campaign. This will be efficient for both big companies that want to outsource work that they don’t usually face, businesses looking for new clients, and corporations that don’t have a go-to provider for the said service.” Today, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Craigslist make it easy for small businesses to connect with clients and freelancers, bringing their vision to life!
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