What to expect from 2012

It's been quite a year in the world of technology. We have seen a huge attack on Sony's Playstation Network, revolutions and riots aided by social networks and the death of technical visionary Steve Jobs to name a few key events.


So what is there to look forward to in 2012?

Let's start with social networking. Facebook are currently rolling out their new timeline updates so I don't think we will expect any major interface changes. However this may open the door for new applications akin to the Skype integration on the platform. There are also rumours of a new mobile phone being produced and talk of Facebook floating on the stock market so it could be a big year for the social media giant as they try and keep ahead of Google+ who will undoubtedly be adding new features to their online service.

It could be a big year for Microsoft to. We are expecting the launch of Windows 8, a further push to claw back some of the mobile market with Nokia and potentially a new Xbox console following their recent release of features on the Xbox platform. Whether we will see Sony release a new PlayStation to rival the Xbox remains to be seen. Sony will no doubt want to release a new console as close to the release of the Xbox as possible particularly after the problems many of their users experienced last year.

On the mobile and tablet front we are already hearing rumours about the launch of iPad 3 iPhone 5 being tabled for 2012. Wheather Amazon's low priced can eat into Apple's dominance in the tablet market will be an interesting one to watch.

Overall I believe that 2012 could be a big year for the humble television. We have had 3D TV but it hasn't been all that popular. New Internet TVs are becoming more popular and we are seeing a push towards keeping your own media content online with services such as iCloud. The latest Xbox updates reaffirms the console as a media centre with the ability to control what you are watching with your voice via Kinect. Updating the television seems to be the next logical step. I predict more media integration with more online content available all controlled via your trusty remote.....or voice.