The Road Ahead - a look back

Posted on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 0:34 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
When Bill Gates wrote his vision of the future back in 1995, titled 'The Road ahead', he made a number of outrageous (at the time) predictions about what the digital world would be like in 2006. How have his predictions held up? We take a look back at the book and see what Gates got right and what he got wrong. Turns out that Bill predicted DRM, pro-gaming, Media Center - although he also got a lot of other stuff wrong. Interestingly, a 300GB Maxtor hard drive would cost $63,000 today according to Gates' numbers!
Bill Gates: "Even if a show is being broadcast live, you’ll be able to use your infrared remote control to start, stop, or go to any previous part of the program, at any time. If someone comes to your door, you’ll be able to pause the program for as long as you like. You’ll be in absolute control. Except, of course, you won’t be able to forward past part of a live show as it’s taking place."
Head over to Bit Tech to see which of Bill's predictions were true, or wrong.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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