15 Bill Gates Predictions From 1999 That Blew Our Minds

In 1999, Bill Gates made 15 bold tech predictions in his book Business @ the Speed of Thought. Many seemed futuristic at the time but have since become essential to modern life.

Price-Comparison Websites

[{"selector":"#anim-e5177003-65c8-4612-b456-fff05773f267","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-abe412f4-20d2-43ac-b8a7-1dcfbf285e1f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates predicted automated tools for comparing prices online. Today, platforms like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Honey let users find best deals & discounts effortlessly

Mobile Devices

[{"selector":"#anim-93b98214-f267-449c-bf4b-52ad7456bd8a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0400f45e-3d6c-4a5d-ad96-649575d94681","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates foresaw small devices enabling constant connectivity. Smartphones and tablets, like the iPhone, now allow people to access news, manage finances, and stay connected on the go.

Online Payments and Healthcare

[{"selector":"#anim-738d6941-a52f-4e30-82f0-d932218aef24","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-323f4aca-1528-4414-a332-21c1a32f0319","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Managing finances & consulting doctors online were part of Gates’ vision. Services like PayPal, Google Pay, telemedicine apps like Teladoc revolutionized payments and healthcare access.

Personal Assistants and IoT

[{"selector":"#anim-85bb53c7-a76a-4d96-9a27-7346697e9009","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d0fb550d-9b82-42ad-b476-776c5d19fb3e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates envisioned digital assistants syncing devices and managing schedules. Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant now integrate with IoT devices to simplify daily routines and improve efficiency.

Home Monitoring Systems

[{"selector":"#anim-cc71d1b0-4bba-499a-95ba-850756847ae5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-034d706e-eb01-45e8-b1f4-0fe5cd3c1046","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Constant video feeds for home security were a Gates prediction. Smart systems like Ring and Nest let homeowners monitor properties remotely, ensuring safety and real-time alert

Social Media

[{"selector":"#anim-9608f3fd-5c32-4b5f-9112-b109f15a81e9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6987361a-75df-4614-99a5-99d5fad735a7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates predicted private online spaces for friends and families to connect. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp now enable global communication and event planning.

Contextual Promotional Offers

[{"selector":"#anim-83051fb4-7fbb-4e1e-be90-fb2bcbb29e52","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4be9f636-4be0-424b-bd4b-21163867ffaf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Software analyzing travel plans to offer tailored suggestions was another prediction. Today, AI-driven platforms like Expedia and TripAdvisor provide personalized travel deals and activity ideas.

Live Sports Discussion

[{"selector":"#anim-dc433c3e-8dca-43c1-842e-38992b26ebf1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1821719b-7980-466d-82ce-cb3728c07f90","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates imagined real-time fan engagement during sports broadcasts. Platforms like Twitter and Hotstar let fans discuss, predict outcomes, and interact with content during live events.

Smart Advertising

[{"selector":"#anim-ad54e5f7-c695-44a8-9eff-83ce36a5f58b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cad43b14-0471-4549-b75f-369a4c288884","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates foresaw personalized advertising. Platforms like Google and Facebook now use user data and AI to deliver ads tailored to individual preferences, enhancing marketing impact.

Interactive Television

[{"selector":"#anim-43d91ec9-70cb-4275-aae1-ba6113ff4681","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e2705836-e8d5-4b6f-b300-b0fe10600830","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] TV broadcasts with links to online content were predicted by Gates. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime now offer trailers, behind-the-scenes clips, and interactive shopping options.

Online Discussion Forums

[{"selector":"#anim-fe01035f-a4b6-4d98-a4a6-19aa326557d9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-45c43990-d6cb-4662-a781-c118c76d4d66","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates envisioned spaces for online discussions on global and local topics. Platforms like Reddit and Quora allow users to share opinions, collaborate, and exchange ideas freely.

Interest-Based Online Communities

[{"selector":"#anim-7a7187bd-23fc-405d-b5cb-a95beb21abf0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f7224b9a-56c9-4b82-8edc-70ed74f22b34","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates predicted communities based on shared interests, not location. LinkedIn, Pinterest, and niche forums now connect individuals with similar passions, hobbies, and professional goals.

Project Management Tools

[{"selector":"#anim-62ef41ae-f357-4280-a9cb-506f451aba4f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-42607156-8ea6-486c-bb3c-76fb26ea3c7c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates predicted tools for online team collaboration. Platforms like Trello, Asana, and Jira streamline project execution, connecting team members efficiently in real-time.

Online Recruiting Platforms

[{"selector":"#anim-b163c484-89f0-4f41-a801-2c3f2ed48a49","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f1e60cb7-dea1-481b-a8f4-9c8480902d47","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Job seekers declaring skills online to find work was Gates' vision. Platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed now revolutionize hiring, connecting candidates with employers worldwide.

Business-to-Business Marketplaces

[{"selector":"#anim-a07bb896-9de3-4f91-89d8-0c827ddc8ca7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e7fe4e37-64a0-498e-a4a0-55375504910d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Gates envisioned companies bidding for projects online. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer now enable businesses to connect with skilled freelancers for diverse projects seamlessly.