No. 7: Automated promotional offers
Gates' prediction: "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."
What we see now: Travel sites like Expedia and Kayak offer deals based on past purchase data. Google and Facebook ads can offer promotional ads based on the user's location and interests. Airbnb, which lets people stay in homes rather than hotels, started to offer specialized trips at the destination so you can live like a local too.
Patrick Foto/Shutterstock
No. 8: Live sports discussion sites
Gates' prediction: "While watching a sports competition on television, services will allow you to discuss what is going on live, and enter contest where you vote on who you think will win."
What we see now: A bunch of social media sites allow this, with Twitter being the clear leader (and even streaming some games). You can also leave comments in real time on sports sites like ESPN.
Jason Miller / Stringer / Getty Images
No. 9: Smart advertising
Gates' 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: Just look at the ads you see on Facebook or Google. Most online advertising services have this feature, where advertisers can target users based on click history, personal interest, purchasing patterns.
YouTube/Dos Equis
Comments