"Learning" is considered a task of intelligence. Does this mean that computers will become intelligent rather than simply tools for rapidly executing pre-programmed instructions? Yes, that's exactly what Gartner predicts will happen. It won't be all computers -- at least not at first -- but Gartner predicts that the trend toward intelligent, learning machines will be well and truly underway by 2017.

As with so many of these predictions the "dire consequences" depend almost entirely on how society will respond to changes in technology. It's not truly a great leap to follow technology trends and reach conclusions in agreement with Gartner.