Everyone loves making predictions at the beginning of the year.... I recently read an article about predictions made about the Internet in 1995. How things have changed.
Without any further ado here are my predictions for 2007 with my favorite companies listed:
1. Apple - iPhone - Thumbs Up! Apple TV - not so sure about - after all you still need a Mac before you use Apple TV. Oh and yes -- there is no way to record your existing video feed without hardware on your Mac. For that you need a TiVO or this.
2. Microsoft - Vista gets absolutely no take up after the consumer launch. Who wants an animated waterfall on their desktop?
3. Google - Google hits 200 again. And then back to 500. And then back again. Ever see this chart? 
That's a lot of $$$.
4. Ford
A private firm/conglomerate decides to buy the company and turn it into a health care provider. It does more business in healthcare, at a higher profit than at selling cars. A Chinese car company releases a $1500 auto.
5. McDonald's
McDonald's decides to close down 20% of their outlets due to low sales.
6. Nike
Nike posts a wildly successful YouTube campaign.
7. Yahoo
Yahoo joins ranks with Google to fortify its search engine war against Wikipedia/Wikia.
8. AT&T
AT&T launches an all you can call VOIP service across North America for a flat $9.95/month (in the US only).
9. Verizon
Verizon counters with an all you can call flat fee wireless service after AT&T announces. For $19.95/month.
10. Pixar
Pixar announces that they have perfected digital actors that are indistinguishable on screen. Movement has been perfected and a movie announced for 2010 that will be CGI but that will look real. The only thing missing is that voices will still be dubbed over. After Pixar bought the rights to the Beatles "look & feel" during the 60s and young Elvis from the 50s, they decided to reanimate them in a modern setting. The first movie will have The Beatles reunited with Elvis onstage during a concert scene, and each performer will be singing an original song composed specifically for the movie. Marilyn Monroe will join them for a surprise encore.