Updated on December 10, 2021
Continuing down the 2012 “best and worst of” list, next comes technology…
Best
- My article on KeePassX was published in the January 2012 issue of “Linux Journal” magazine.
- NBC live streamed the Olympics, via using the default global Olympic feeds. (However, see “worst” below.)
- I moved to a newer smartphone, the HTC One V.
- I also moved to a new laptop, an HP model that resembles a MacBook Pro in appearance.
- After years of being with the Ubuntu family, I switched to Linux Mint for my Linux purposes.
- Apple’s usual new refreshments to its line of hardware and software, including the Mac Mini, speaking of which…
- After years of being on Linux, I finally went back to the Mac in November, buying a Mac Mini.
- I also purchased a Nexus 7 tablet, which I’ve found quite useful on trips to family over the holidays.
- SOPA and PIPA were defeated, thanks in part to major online protesters of the issue (including Wikipedia). Said major online venues also forced mainstream media (whose corporate backers favored SOPA/PIPA) to actually mention SOPA/PIPA.
Worst
- Google announced that iGoogle will be shut down in 2013. Never mind that unlike some of their other little-used services, this one actually still has a sizable user base. I’ve since switched to Google’s homepage as a default browser homepage, plus use several other sites to read newspaper comics.
- NBC’s Olympics strategy, as usual, left much to be desired, though streaming it online is an improvement over previous years. However, requiring a cable subscription to use it (and not offering a for-pay option for those without cable) wasn’t a good thing. Their streaming service also wasn’t without problems.
- Ubuntu announced they’d be developing their brand of Linux more privately. Their newest versions have also integrated Amazon.com results into the default search system. This on top of Ubuntu’s other changes in recent years (the infamous Unity in particular) has led many, including me, to seek other alternatives, such as Linux Mint.
- Windows 8. Yeesh. I’ll stick with Linux/OS X thanks.
2012 saw plenty of positive elements for technology. despite the likes of SOPA/PIPA. Tablets have become even more widespread in 2012, with the Nexus 7 becoming a surprise hit (plus the usual iPads, Nooks, and Kindles). There was more growth in mobile devices and mobile Internet aspects, including the ever-popular smartphone and its apps. Even Flickr got some attention late in the year with the help of a well-received revamped iOS app (and due to Instagram making a few unpopular changes). 2013 should bring plenty of interesting new tech news, starting with next week’s CES convention.
