ReadWriteWeb posted their 2009 Web Predictions back in December 2008. We’re almost half-way thru 2009 at this point. Here’s a few from that list that were and weren’t (so far) true.
Yahoo sells to a big media company, but it won’t be Microsoft.
Status: Didn’t happen (yet – and that’s a big ‘yet’ because it might occur).
But Microsoft and Yahoo may develop a search and advertising partnership.
Facebook will continue to surprise
Status: Happening.
Unfortunately not in the way as expected. Facebook seems to have a new phishing problem every other week.
Twitter announces they have a plan to make money. They do.
Status: Happening.
There were itty bitty ads on profiles and Twitter is sure to be experimenting with other monetization techniques.
Google Reader gets themes.
Status: Didn’t happen.
I wish it would. It’s a good idea because the existing interface is about as pleasing as looking at a stack of envelopes.
Netbooks stay hot…get lighter, faster, thinner, but thanks to variable pricing from manufacturers, line between notebooks and netbooks blurs.
Status: Happened big time.
The netbook is the new laptop now, and the only thing really separating the old school from the new school is size – and price.
Digg still won’t be bought.
Status: Happened (and will most likely stay happened).
Nobody seems to be interested in picking up Digg at all and this hasn’t changed – especially after Google walked in 2008.
Twitter is the new Digg. Get used to it.
Facebook has one security incident too many, leading to a decline in popularity.
Status: Happened. Again, and again and again.
Can you say phishing?
Microsoft will launch a competing platform with Apple’s App Store. The reaction from the market will be underwhelming.
Status: Happened somewhat.
It’s called Windows Marketplace for Mobile, or Windows Mobile Catalog, or whatever they’re deciding to call it this week. Microsoft is just bad at names I guess. Microsoft is trying to be very nice to developers by offering a more open system compared to Apple. Is the market responding favorably? Too soon to tell.
The browser wars will further heat up, with Google throwing marketing dollars and distribution deals behind Chrome.
Status: Didn’t happen (yet).
However Google Chrome just released version 2.0. And Linux folks don’t exactly like it.
You can see more of the predictions here. 2009 is far from over yet..
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