Bill Gates gave a number of predictions in 1994 about future technology. Most come true. He made this prediction during a presentation on November 14, 1994 at the COMDEX trade show.
First of all, there is a mobile device that he calls 'Wallet PC' which can make it easier for users to receive messages and contactless payments via infrared. Although it sounds a bit strange to use 'infrared', this term is similar to the near-field communication (NFC) we know today.
"It's literally capable of replacing everything you carry and more," he said at the time.
"So receiving messages, viewing the latest news, viewing different locations, tracking your schedule, storing hundreds of photos of your children there, all that can be done easily with this kind of technology," continued Bill Gates.
Not only that, Bill Gates also predicted the existence of a map that can guide people to find shops, hotels, restaurants and other places.
From the video included in the presentation, there is also a scene in the background of a house, a woman flipping between episodes of David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey at will, instead of depending on the TV channel schedule. It's something we all take for granted today that we call video on demand and over the top service, but not in those days where everything depended on the broadcast schedule of the TV channels.
The woman featured in the mini-film also joked about leaving her sandals on because she was on a conference call and no one would see her bottom. Habits that are now carried out by many people who work from home (WFH).
"You are no longer tied to a specific schedule in which the show airs. Whatever you want to do, you are in control," said Bill Gates, launching Fast Company, Thursday (28/4/2022).