2012 was not a slow year for technology. Exploding sales of tablets, ultrabooks, and smartphones set the fiscal bar higher than ever. Tech historians will likely view 2012 as one of the most transformative years in technology. But as in 2011, Apple, Google, and Microsoft remained in the spotlight of 2012’s biggest technology events. 5 key news events, however, marked 2012 as the most lucrative year for major technology companies.
1. Apple vs. Samsung Lawsuit
It is considered the patent trial of the century. The legal battle began in 2011 when Apple sued their competitor, Samsung, for reportedly copying their designs. Legal proceedings were especially ugly in 2012. The South Korean giant went to trial in a Northern California court, lasting over three weeks while testimonies and evidence were unearthed. Despite Samsung’s efforts, the jury sided with Apple considerably. The two companies, however, went back to court again in December 2012, to sort out further details: whether Apple would receive a permanent ban on at least eight of Samsung’s devices, and whether Samsung would be granted a retrial. In 2014, a separate trial is also scheduled for some of their newer devices.
2. Apple iPhone 5 and iPad Mini
Before Apple released the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, rumors circulated around the Internet about the devices. With a record in sales, both devices have rejuvenated Apple’s smartphone and tablet categories, with Apple estimating to sell at least 30 million units of the iPad Mini in 2013. The iPhone 5 also had over 2 million preorders, and with an improved design, many Apple fans are in heaven. But the competition has given Apple a run for its money. Similar phones and tablets are equal to, or outperform, Apple’s top gadgets, turning a questionable eye on Apple’s future.
3. Google Nexus 7
Released in July 2012, the Google Nexus 7 has become the best-selling Android tablet ever. The device runs on a Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16-32GB of internal storage, making it one of the most complete tablets with a mid-range price tag. It also runs on a pure Android 4.1 Jelly Bean interface, and with 216-megapixel resolution, the tablet is gorgeous to hold and look at.
4. Microsoft Windows 8
Debuting around August 2012, Microsoft made a huge investment for their future. The company changed their logo after 25 years, and in October, the much anticipated Windows 8 was fully released. It was considerably different than Windows 7, and for many, did not seem like desktop material. Microsoft, however, replaced the traditional desktop with a metro interface made up of live tiles and streaming feeds. Many users complain such an interface is not nearly as effective as it is on a touch screen computer or tablet. But Microsoft is highly confident this is the future of technology, with Windows 8 sales climbing over 40 million. Windows phones also received the upgrade, although it was not nearly as drastic as the computer upgrade.
5. Halo 4
Also published by Microsoft, Halo 4 was released early November, raking in over $220 million on its launch day. At the end of the week, the game received over $300 million, setting a new record for the franchise. The game also received mostly positive reviews from game critics.
Many products and changing companies emerged in 2012, some of which cannot be ignored. Microsoft is again a force to be reckoned with, and Apple has made its own disputable decisions after the death of their company’s co-founder, Steve Jobs. There is no doubt, however, that 2013 will prove even more eventful than 2012.
This article was submitted by Joe Riley, an internet blogger who has written for companies like Hughes Net. Joe is an expert in technology and online gaming.