My last post was about making Pre-Mortems. Today’s post zooms ahead about 80 years, where in a world where the digital giants of the 21st century once seemed unassailable, the unthinkable has occurred. Amazon, Apple, and Google, whose influence had been so pervasive that their downfall appeared inconceivable, have faced a dramatic and surprising end. This piece isn’t as in-depth as a Pre-Mortem should be, but the exercise was interesting. Bitches, I’ll be six feet under at this time, so please carry the torch for me.
Amazon's Unexpected Decline
Amazon, the e-commerce behemoth that had redefined the shopping experience, ultimately fell victim to its own size and complexity. The very convenience it had pioneered became its Achilles' heel as consumers sought a more personalized, decentralized approach. Small, localized online marketplaces, powered by blockchain technology, emerged as the new norm. Shoppers grew weary of Amazon's sprawling product range and turned to these agile platforms that offered tailored, community-driven experiences.
Apple's Fall from Grace
For Apple, whose sleek devices had become an integral part of daily life, the fall was equally astonishing. Despite its legacy of innovation, it struggled to keep pace with a world rapidly shifting towards augmented reality (AR) and quantum computing. Consumers embraced new AR ecosystems that merged seamlessly with the physical world, rendering traditional devices obsolete. Apple's insistence on maintaining a separate physical and digital existence ultimately alienated users who craved a more immersive and interconnected experience.
Google's Surprising Exit
Google, the search and information giant that had evolved into an omnipresent digital companion, faced a surprising exit from the stage. As quantum computing became the norm, data privacy concerns came to the forefront. Decentralized, user-controlled information networks offered an alternative, granting individuals unprecedented control over their data. Google's centralized model became untenable, and users flocked to these innovative, privacy-centric platforms.
In the early 21st century, it was unimaginable to conceive the fall of Sears, IBM, and telecom giants, just as it is today to contemplate the decline of Amazon, Apple, and Google. Yet, history has shown that even the mightiest titans can succumb to the relentless march of progress. As we reflect on the stunning developments of 2100, we are reminded that the only constant in the world of technology is change itself, with each era giving birth to new giants and new possibilities.
Don’t assume anything, or it’ll make an ASS out of U and ME.