Impressive – Bill Gates Predicted The Future In 1999

Back in 1999 Bill wrote a book and in the book he predicted some things about who the future of the internet and businesses would start interacting. And he was on point.

Could Bill Gates be the modern day (technological) answer to Nostradamus? Perhaps, but more than likely he is just the same ol’ creative tech genius who harbours a profound vision and understanding of people and their relationship with the internet.

Back in 1999, Bill Gates wrote a book entitled Business @ the Speed of Thought. In it, Bill outlined how information systems, the Internet, and technology in general would change the way that businesses function. Markus Kirjonen is studying business in Finland and after finishing it, wrote an extensive outline of how Bill Gate’s book is tremendously relevant still today and the different aspects you can learn from it. He also listed some predictions of Bill’s that have come true:

1. Price comparison sites

Gates’ prediction: “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.”What we see now: You can easily search for a product on Google or Amazon and get different prices of the same product. Sites like NexTag and PriceGrabber are built specifically for price comparisons.

2. Mobile devices

Gates’ prediction: “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.”What we see now: Smartphones, and now smartwatches, do all of this.3. Instant payments and financing online, better healthcare through the web

Gates’ prediction: “People will pay their bills, take care of their finances, and communicate with their doctors over the Internet.”What we see now: Tech hasn’t been able to change healthcare all that much, but there are sites like ZocDoc that makes finding a doctor and scheduling easier. You can now borrow money online through sites like Lending Club and easily make payments through sites like PayPal and Venmo.

4. Social media

Gates’ prediction: “Private websites for your friends and family will be common, allowing you to chat and plan for events.”What we see now: Social-media sites like Facebook and Instagram take care of this

.5. Smart advertisingGates’ prediction: “Devices will have smart advertising. They will know your purchasing trends, and will display advertisements that are tailored toward your preferences.”What we see now: Most online advertising services have this feature, where advertisers can target users based on click history, personal interest, purchasing patterns.

I wonder, if Bill had to write a book today, what we he would suggest we would see in the next 15 years. Click through to see more predictions from Bill Gates.

[source: time]

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