# Bill Gates: The Futurist Who Got It Right—15 Predictions That Came True
When it comes to predicting the future, most people roll their eyes.
Vague claims from self-proclaimed prophets are a dime a dozen.
But not all futurists are created equal.
Enter Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder who made some serious waves at the turn of the millennium.
In his groundbreaking 1999 book, *Business @ the Speed of Thought*, Gates laid out predictions that, at the time, sounded like science fiction.
Fast forward to today, and it’s astonishing how many of his forecasts have materialized.
With his new Netflix documentary, *What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates*, it’s the perfect time to revisit his crystal ball.
### A Peek Into Gates’ World
Before we dive into the predictions, let’s set the scene.
In the late ’90s, the tech landscape was vastly different.
The internet was in its infancy, and smartphones were a distant dream.
Gates, however, was already envisioning a future where technology seamlessly intertwined with daily life.
As a visionary, his perspective was shaped not only by his experiences at Microsoft but also by a genuine desire to improve global communication and accessibility.
Gates saw technology as a tool to democratize information and empower individuals.
His insights were both ambitious and grounded, reflecting a deep understanding of human needs in an evolving digital landscape.
Let’s explore 15 predictions that have since become everyday realities.
### The Predictions That Shook the World
**Price Comparison Sites**: Gates foresaw platforms like Compare the Market, making it a breeze to find the best deals.
He claimed, “Automated price comparison services will allow people to see prices across multiple websites.”
**Mobile Phones**: Back then, our phones were simple bricks.
Gates predicted we’d carry devices that keep us connected 24/7, and he hit the nail on the head.
**Online Finance**: The notion of banking online seemed far-fetched.
Gates envisioned a world where people manage finances and consult doctors over the internet.
**Virtual Assistants**: Gates hinted at “personal companions” that would simplify our lives, anticipating tools like Siri and Alexa.
These devices would sync our schedules and even help with grocery lists.
**Home-Monitoring Systems**: Gates foresaw the rise of security cameras that notify us of visitors.
He predicted “constant video feeds of your house will become common”—and they sure did!
**Social Media**: Long before Facebook, Gates imagined private platforms for chatting with friends and family.
He said, “Private websites for your friends and family will be common.”
**Smart Advertising**: Gates knew advertisers would soon track our preferences.
“Devices will have smart advertising,” he predicted, and he was right on target.
**Online Communities**: Gates envisioned digital spaces where interests, not geography, connect people.
Who knew he was foreshadowing the rise of Reddit?
**Project-Management Software**: Gates was ahead of the curve on digital workplace tools.
“Project managers will be able to find the right people online,” he wrote, predicting platforms like Slack and Teams.
**Online Recruiting**: He foresaw the job market’s transformation with platforms like LinkedIn, where skills and interests meet opportunities.
“People will find jobs online by declaring their skills,” he stated confidently.
**Business Community Software**: Gates envisioned companies bidding for jobs, paving the way for sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
“Companies will be able to bid on jobs,” he remarked, illustrating a shift towards flexible work arrangements.
A mix of keen insight, industry experience, and a vision for a connected future propelled him.
As we binge-watch *What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates*, it’s clear that he isn’t just a tech mogul but a bona fide futurist.
From online banking to smart homes, Gates has truly transformed how we live.
Next time you check your bank balance on your phone or compare prices online, remember: Bill Gates saw it all coming!
And who knows what else he might predict for the future?
Keep your eyes peeled—Gates is just getting started.