2013 Tech Predictions Revisited

December 30, 2013 — by Per Christensson

At the end of 2012, I posted my annual 2013 Tech Predictions. Now, as 2013 comes to an end, I can see just how accurate (or way off) my predictions were.

My first prediction was that Apple would release a new Apple TV, complete with a Apple-designed screen, along with its own television service. Well that was way off. Apple added some new services to Apple TV, but the set-top box is still the exact same model it was almost two year ago. I stopped waiting around for a new model and ended up buying one for myself.

Several aspects or my Mac Pro prediction came to fruition, but the new model is even smaller than I expected. Additionally, Apple did not release a retina Thunderbolt Display along with Mac Pro, which was disappointing.

Microsoft released a significant update to Windows 8, as I guessed. However, the company did not re-include the Start Menu, which I (and many other users) hoped they would.

Android's smartphone marketshare surpassed 50%, as I predicted. According to ComScore's December report, Android devices made up 52.2% of the U.S. subscriber base in October this year.

Finally, Sony and Microsoft released their new gaming consoles, the PS4 and Xbox One, respectively. While I predicted the timing of the release pretty accurately, I also thought the most games for the new consoles would be available by digital download only. Apparently, electronics retailers have more pull than I thought and were able to persuade the console manufacturers to continue selling games via optical media.

While many of my 2013 predictions were partially true, only my Mac Pro and Android predictions were mostly accurate. Therefore, it looks like I only went 2 for 5 this time. Oh well, there's always next year.