From RIM's PlayBook, to Google's Ice Cream Sandwich, 2011 was certainly a year of highs, lows, and shiny new gadgets. Here are my technology and social media highlights for 2011.
Gadgets
Apple iPad 2
In March, Apple released the second generation of its iPad. Slimmer and more powerful than its predecessor, the iPad 2 continues to be the best-selling tablet around the world, far surpassing the sales of all other tablets combined....despite several competitors launching powerful rivals.
Samsung Galaxy SII
Arguably the most powerful Android smartphone to date, the Samsung Galaxy S II has enjoyed growing popularity since its launch in February, offering up a real alternative to the iPhone with a powerful camera, dual core processor & gorgeous 4.3” AMOLED display. Currently running the Android 2.3.3 OS or “Gingerbread”, this Android superstar is set to get Google's newest OS, "4.0" or better known as“Ice Cream Sandwich” in the first quarter of 2012.
Amazon Kindle Fire
Amazon launched its e-reader-cum-tablet in the US earlier this year, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one when they finally launch in the UK. Significantly cheaper than other tablets on the market, this little gem offers up a fun and cost-effective alternative to those of us who are bored with traditional e-readers, yet don’t want to splash out several hundred quid on an iPad or other top of the line tablets. It has a colour display, offers web browsing, apps and games, as well as all the media content from Amazon you could ever want. At $199 USD, it’s a steal.
Controversy
Social media was a driving force in many of the controversies and conflicts this year, from the London riots to the political uprising in the Middle East. Our tweets, status updates and IM’s helped to fuel the fires for various rebellions and frenzied riots around the world. Times Magazine even named “The Protestor” as 2011’s “person of the year”. From the shocking internet blackout imposed by the Egyptian government, to the now infamous #OccupyWallStreet hashtag, it was a year not without violence and unrest.
The Metropolitan Police force even admitted in British parliament that they considered the drastic idea of shutting down BlackBerry’s BBM Messenger in the UK during this summer’s London riots, as it was a major source of communication for riot participators.
Whether it was organising the fight against a dictator, or retweeting CCTV images of rioters, we made history this year with our ability to connect and organise with each other. For better and for worse.
Death of Steve Jobs
The death of Apple's prolific frontman age the young age of 56 was one of the saddest days for tech lovers and fanboys this year. You may love him or hate him, but it cannot be denied that he was a game changer and a technology icon. From changing music forever with launch of the first iPod over a decade ago, to making Apple the current leader in smartphones and tablets, Steve's innovative ideas and products have made their way into the lives of millions around the world.
Interesting Facts & Poignant Tidbits
- Google+ became the fastest ever social network to reach 10 million users, doing so in just 16 days
- Facebook bought the much-loved location based “check-in” service and app Gowalla. Gowalla on its own will cease to exist in 2012 as Facebook absorbs its technology.
- Twitter reached 100 million active users
- Amazon made the unsurprising announcement that it was selling more eBooks than hardbacks in both the US & the UK
- The PlayStation Network took a hit of over 100 million US dollars when it was hacked; and didn’t go back online for six weeks
- American computer scientist Dennis Ritchie, one of the grandfathers of modern computing, died at the age of 70. He was the co-founder of Unix and creator of programming language “Objective C”, both a key piece of the infrastructure in building today’s computers and smartphones.
2011 has been quite a year for technology. Please do feel free to tweet us with any of your favourite (or least favourite) moments of 2011!
Image via falfi.strife's Flickr