Very often when people try to make predictions about how the world will look in the near-future, they're usually way off.
Take the Back To The Future movies, for example. When the second installment was released in 1989, it predicted that 2015 would see people traveling around in flying cars and hoverboards - and I'm still waiting for rehydrating pizza.
However, one person who was almost spot on with his predictions about the world was billionaire Microsoft genius Bill Gates.
Back in 1999, Gates made some predictions about the future that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Published in his book, Business @ the Speed of Thought, Gates pondered about the future of the fast-developing technological world -- many of which probably sounded like wild fantasies to our moms and dads.
But fast-forward to today, and Gates’ predictions were eerily spot-on. Here’s a look at 15 things Gates predicted and how they’ve become a reality.
1. Smartphones
Before the iPhone was even a twinkle in Steve Jobs’ eye, Gates predicted a world where we’d all carry "small devices" that keep us constantly connected. Sound familiar? He said these devices would allow us to manage finances, check the news, and even see our schedules.
Fast forward to today, and you’ve got everything from iPhones to Androids dominating our lives. Gates didn’t miss here.
Yes, cell phones were around in 1999 - but they were nothing compared to the hyperintelligent supercomputers we're all carrying around in our back pocket. (Mine didn't even have Snake on it.)
2. Price Comparison Sites
Shopping for the best deals online has become second nature to us. But back in 1999, many consumers would have laughed if you suggested that they buy their goods from a site on the World Wide Web.
However, Gates predicted that automated price comparison services would make it easy for shoppers to find the cheapest products online. "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," he said.
Sites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Honey are proof that Gates was way ahead of the curve.
3. Online Payments and Financing
“People will pay their bills, take care of their finances, and communicate with their doctors over the internet,” Gates wrote.
And here we are, tapping away on apps like PayPal, Venmo, and online banking platforms. Not to mention, telemedicine has exploded, especially after 2020. I can't even get an appointment at my local docs without downloading the app.
4. Smart Home Security
Gates envisioned a world where technology would act as the gatekeepers to our homes.
"Constant video feeds of your house will become common, which inform you when somebody visits while you are not home," Gates wrote.
Fast forward and assistants like Google Home and Ring are basically living, breathing proof that Gates knew exactly where things were headed.
5. Social Media
One of Gates’ boldest predictions was about social media platforms.
He predicted websites that would allow loved ones to keep in touch, writing: "Private websites for your friends and family will be common, allowing you to chat and plan for events."
Hello, Facebook, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp (and many, many more). Gates saw the rise of social networks long before they became a staple of our daily lives.
6. Interactive Links During Live Television
Gates boldly predicted: "Television broadcasts will include links to relevant websites and content that complement what you are watching."
And, amazingly, enter things like scannable QR codes or links to a show's social media channels where viewers can share their opinions or vote on whether or not Ricky should stay with Tiffany on Married At First Sight.
7. Job-Hunting Sites
Job search websites were also on Gates’ radar. He foresaw online platforms where people looking for work could find employment opportunities. Fast-forward to now, and you’ve got LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor at your fingertips.
"People looking for work will be able to find employment opportunities online by declaring their interest, needs, and specialized skills," Gates wrote.
8. Targeted Advertising
Gates knew we’d end up in a world where ads would follow us around based on our interests and search history. He predicted technology that would know “your purchasing trends” and "will display advertisements that are tailored toward your preferences".
Facebook and Google ads, anyone?
9. Online Sports Coverage & Chat
If you've ever watched a live sporting event online, you've also probably noticed the buzzing chat at the side where people are sharing their live reactions to what's going on on the screen.
Well, this is yet another thing Bill Gates foresaw.
"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," Gates predicted.
Nowadays, social media and sports apps keep us connected, providing instant replays, scores, and live updates, just as he envisioned.
10. Personal Assistants
Gates predicted: “'Personal companions' will be developed. They will connect and sync all your devices in a smart way, whether they are at home or in the office, and allow them to exchange data.
The device will check your email or notifications, and present the information that you need. When you go to the store, you can tell it what recipes you want to prepare, and it will generate a list of ingredients that you need to pick up. It will inform all the devices that you use of your purchases and schedule, allowing them to automatically adjust to what you're doing."
Alexa, tell me just how spot-on Bill Gates was about personal assistants.
11. Online Communities
Gates predicted online communities that cater to specific interests, as he predicted: "Online communities will not be influenced by your location, but rather, your interest."
Want to discuss your favorite YouTuber with other fans? There's a Discord for that. Want to share a review of your favorite movie with others? Head over to Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb. Want to join others in laughing at somebody else's ugly wedding dress? There's a subreddit for you!
Whatever you're interested in, there's a forum out there for you.
12. Project Management Software
Managing large-scale projects in the workplace used to be a challenge, but Gates foresaw a world where software would help organize teams and tasks. "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," Gates said.
Enter Trello, Slack, and Asana—essential tools for today’s remote and hybrid workforces. Heck, I'm logged on to Trello and Slack right now!
13. Local Online Groups
Gates predicted websites that would allow communities and residents to discuss issues in online forums, explaining: "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."
Now, I'm just a few clicks away from a Facebook group about my local town where Glenda from three blocks away is losing her mind over the council's plan to renovate the town hall.
14. Automated Promotional Offers And Ads
Much like targeted ads, Gates believes that online software would know "when you've booked a trip" and would be capable of using "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," Gates said.
Now, sites like Expedia will offer your activities based on your recent bookings. Facebook will show you ads based on your current online location. And Airbnb will provide you with things to do so that you really can blend in and live like one of the locals.
15. Business Networks
Lastly, Gates predicted businesses would rely on data and technology to connect with customers, form partnerships, and build relationships - and even hire new talent.
"Companies will be able to bid on jobs, whether they are looking for a construction project, a movie production, or an advertising campaign," he wrote. "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."
Now, freelancers can advertise their services on sites like Fiverr or Upwork, all while potential employees search for the best client.
Additionally, the social media site LinkedIn has become a must-have for working professionals and businesses.
Gates’ predictions from 1999 might have seemed far-fetched at the time, but looking around at the world today, it’s clear that he wasn’t just throwing out wild ideas — he was mapping out the future. And if his predictions about AI are anything like these, we’re in for another tech revolution soon.
So, the next time you find yourself lost in a rabbit hole of YouTube videos or scrolling through your personalized news feed, just remember — Bill Gates saw it coming.