DTNS 5175: Reviewing 2025 Tech Predictions and Looking Ahead

Reviewing 2025 Tech Predictions

• 🎯 Sarah Lane's prediction of a cheaper Apple Vision Pro was incorrect, as the device remains at $3,500, though Vision OS development continues.
• 💡 Tom Merritt's prediction about the expansion of robo-taxis saw mixed results, with significant growth in some areas like Austin, Texas, but non-existent service in others like Columbus, Ohio.
• 🚀 Rob Dunwood accurately predicted a massive return-to-office initiative by companies, citing the need to utilize trillions of dollars in commercial real estate.
• 🤖 David Spark's prediction of high-profile social engineering events using AI-generated voice and video was deemed too early, though deepfake technology is advancing.
• 🎧 Tom Merritt's prediction about AI backlash against audio and video content received mixed reviews, with some participants using AI-generated audio for script analysis while others expressed concerns about displacement of human artists.
• 🧠 Justin Robert Young's prediction that a company would announce AGI did not come to pass, though the pace of AI development continues to be rapid and collaborative.
• 📰 Justin Robert Young's prediction that CNN would be sold and become a tile on another service was close, as Netflix considered buying Warner Brothers Discovery, but CNN was excluded from the deal.
• 🤖 Tom Merritt's prediction about widespread use of AI agents was considered premature by some, though advancements in AI search and automation tools are ongoing.
• 🔑 Tom Merritt's prediction about the widespread adoption of passkeys was met with some skepticism, with complaints often stemming from the continued coexistence of passwords.

Looking Back at Past Predictions

• 🎮 Scott Johnson's 2020 prediction of a new Nintendo Switch console sequel was realized in 2025.
• 💳 Rob Dunwood's 2020 prediction of mobile payments becoming mainstream in the US has indeed come true.
• 🎬 Lamar Wilson's 2020 prediction that Disney would integrate Hulu into Disney Plus has also been realized.
• ⚖️ Tom Merritt's 2020 prediction of antitrust suits against Amazon and Apple by the US has occurred multiple times.
• 📈 Sarah Lane's 2020 prediction about Bitcoin re-entering the mix has been accurate, despite its recent volatility.

Panelist Scores and Future Outlook

• 🏆 Rob Dunwood led the predictions challenge with 11 points, followed by David Spark (4 points), Sarah Lane (3.5 points), Tom Merritt (3 points), and Justin Robert Young (0 points).
• 🔮 The panel is preparing for 2026 tech predictions, with a focus on continued advancements and potential shifts in the tech landscape.