Be sure to refer to my second version of this page; this is older and my v2 has all of the following plus much more! Link: www.planetminecraft.com/blog/minecraft-future-updates-v2/

Hey guys. This isnt anything fancy, but I'm going to go over some of the upcoming things we will see in Minecraft in the future. THIS ISN'T AN OPINION ARTICLE. If you have an opinion about one of these updates, leave a comment!

First off, Jeb has stated that he will soon add a way to collect Sponges. The old use of them will also be added back into the game (soaking up water).
Another upcoming feature might be Coca Bean bushes/trees. Not much has been said about this, but we could very well see this in the next update or two.
While initially replaced by The End, Notch has expressed interest in adding a new Sky Dimension to replace the original idea. This may mean The End will be replaced, or it may mean the Skylands will just be added.
The ability to mount and control mobs may also find its way into Minecraft 1.2 or a later update. Notch commented on possible Horses as well.
Mine carts as lava boats? Yes, Jeb and Notch both have been working on a new type of minecart that will be able to sail in lava! It is undecided if it will be a new tyoe if minecart, or just a new feature added to the standing original minecart.
Now what may be one of the biggest updates yet: Books! All in minecraft history books have been useless, expect to craft bookshelves as decoration. But now, Jeb might be adding the ability to name and write in books! This could be a huge, flourishing idea, or it may turn out to be an EPIC FAIL update. Jeb had confirmed this has been in mind for Mojang for some time now.
Ever want to become a painter in minecraft? Feel the laziness of not wanting to get a mod? Your dream may come true soon! Notch has said custom paintings may feature in an upcoming update.
Ever since powered rails came to be, the Powered Minecarts with furnaces have become obsolete. But Notch indicated on Twitter that he wants to make Powered Minecarts more powerful and useful.
Audio loops depending on your location may be sefise for Minecraft's future. What is this? Good question.... Sounds that will occur depending on the player's location.
Friends List!~ One of these may find its way into Minecraft Multiplayer. You will be able to tell whether your minecraft buddies are online or not, and what server they are playing on!
New biomes? Jeb hinted something about this.
DUAL WEILDING ~ 2 swords? A pick and a shovel? A torch and a compass? No problem! Jeb is currently working on dual weilding items.
Display Cases and Weapon Racks have come up several times in some of Notch's Tweets. The ability to show off your armor and best weapons may be a possibility in the Minecraft Future!
Tired of making a nether fireplace that takes up half your house, or potentially burns it to the ground? Portable Fireplaces are on Jebs side in that battle. Hopefully this might come into play!
"Hey steve! Look! It's an NPC village!" "So what? All there is there is wheat and a bunch of caveman squidwards!" "No, now we can trade with them!" "Oh really? Let's go then!" Villager AI was one of Jeb's first ideas as the new CEO of Mojang.
A Red Dragon is being worked on to roam the original minecraft world.
Wild cats are being added to the game in 1.2; they are tameable and VERY timid.
Jungle biomes and possible VOLCANO biomes are comming up too!
New redstone skymatics and tools may be added as well.
Thanks for Reading guys. More updates can be found here ~ www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Upcoming_features
I would appriciate comments and diamonds if you have the time!