2016 Predictions

Below is a collection of every 2016 Predictions article by The Information.
Oracle executive chairman Larry Ellison. Photo by Bloomberg.
2016 Predictions

Oracle Will Buy a Database Startup

By Steve Nellis · Jan 5, 2016 7:01am PST · 3 comments
Recently, I was visiting an enterprise-focused VC firm when one of the partners told me something striking: Out of all the startups in the firm’s portfolio, only one had decided to build its software atop Oracle’s databases. And that startup was having trouble.That anecdote confirmed what analysts have predicted. Oracle Corp.,... Recently, I was visiting an enterprise-focused VC firm when one of the partners told me...
Photo by AP.
2016 Predictions

Next Tech Boom: Lawsuits

By Alfred Lee · Dec 30, 2015 10:01am PST
The current tech boom has created enormous wealth, and at successful companies, founders, employees and investors are each getting enough of a share of that wealth to be kept happy. But when that perpetual motion machine breaks down, potential conflicts between those stakeholders emerge.I predict that in 2016 that kind of breakdown will occur... The current tech boom has created enormous wealth, and at successful companies, founders,...
A Jet fulfillment center. Photo by Bloomberg.
2016 Predictions

Jet Will Struggle to Take Flight

By Dan Chaparian · Dec 30, 2015 7:01am PST · 7 comments
Last month, I purchased a top-of-the-line KitchenAid Stand Mixer from Jet. The item was listed for $289.99, but it only cost me $8.50.It was a good deal. Too good, in fact. I don’t think Jet can last with such offers. And my bet is that becomes clear in 2016. Last month, I purchased a top-of-the-line KitchenAid Stand Mixer from Jet. The item was listed...
Business Insider's Henry Blodget. Photo by AP.
Here’s What Happens Next to Millennial News Sites
By Tom Dotan · Dec 29, 2015 10:01am PST · 9 comments
Business Insider's Henry Blodget. Photo by AP.
2016 Predictions

Here’s What Happens Next to Millennial News Sites

By Tom Dotan · Dec 29, 2015 10:01am PST · 9 comments
If you were a millennial in 2015, it was a good time to get news tailored to you. And if you were an online news site trying to provide news to millennials, it was a good time to raise money. Next year, though, things will get a lot tougher.During 2015, Mashable, Business Insider, Vice, Buzzfeed, NowThis, Vox and Mic all received funding. If you... If you were a millennial in 2015, it was a good time to get news tailored to you. And if you were...
Art by Matt Vascellaro.
2016 Predictions

Get Ready for the Uber Arena

By Cory Weinberg · Dec 28, 2015 10:01am PST · 2 comments
Uber and professional basketball’s Golden State Warriors have been two of the most dominant organizations in the Bay Area in 2015. Next year, expect the two behemoths to team up on a San Francisco power play.I’d bet that you will see a press conference in 2016—maybe with Travis Kalanick donning a Warriors jersey—that will... Uber and professional basketball’s Golden State Warriors have been two of the most dominant...
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure. Photo by AP.
2016 Predictions

When Used Phones Become A Thing

By Martin Peers · Dec 28, 2015 6:01am PST · 3 comments
Many people would never buy a new car, opting instead for used vehicles a year or two old and significantly cheaper. A similar trend will next year start to transform the smartphone market, I predict, where the supply of used phones is going to take off.And that will permanently change the market for new smartphones. Both iPhones and Android... Many people would never buy a new car, opting instead for used vehicles a year or two old and...
Google's VR cardboard. Photo by Flickr/sndrv.
2016 Predictions

Virtual Reality Will Come Into Focus

By Reed Albergotti · Dec 21, 2015 10:00am PST · 2 comments
Sometime next year, when you come across a group of teenagers holding cardboard boxes up to their faces and giggling, remember one thing: I told you this would happen. Virtual reality will become a “thing” in 2016, but not in the way your inner Star Trek geek had hoped. (That will come later.) Instead, it will be normal to play... Sometime next year, when you come across a group of teenagers holding cardboard boxes up to their...