“The next big lemming-like rush will be to artificial intelligence”: While 1985 was hailed as the year of AI, Bill Gates ignored the hype to focus on ‘softer software’ (www.techradar.com)

In a reflection on artificial intelligence (AI) and its evolution since 1985, prominent tech leaders, including Bill Gates, highlight a notable shift in focus from high expectations of intelligent machines to the practicality of “softer software.” As we approach 2026, AI capabilities have surged, automating tasks such as code writing, image creation, and customer support. This advancement has sparked intense competition among tech giants over model sophistication and data usage, reminiscent of the horsepower race among car manufacturers. However, concerns about AI’s implications—ranging from job displacement to safety—echo early warnings against overhyping its capabilities, as seen in critiques from the past. The significance of this historical lens lies in the understanding that genuine progress in AI comes not from fantastical promises but from systems that learn and adapt to users’ needs, encapsulated in Gates’ vision of software that serves as a proactive partner. This has materialized in contemporary applications, where AI reduces complexity through personalized assistance, optimizing user interactions in daily tasks. By emphasizing “softer software,” industry pioneers like Gates and Simonyi aimed to ground AI developments in real-world utility, steering clear of overhyped expectations and fostering a more practical integration of these technologies into everyday workflows.