The New Technology Trend for 2012

If technology trends are to be kept in sight, then 2011 was also surely the year that the cloud-based services & their potential were recognized.

So with the year over, the query that is popping up in everyone's mind is, which technology trends will define 2012?

Here are a few top choices for definitive technology trends for 2012:

1. 'Cloud' is here to stay!

Yes, you read that right. With Apple pushing iCloud out in the mid-October, there is much more yet to come from cloud computing. As increasingly IT departments move away from the traditional sharing of resources, over to cloud services they are seeing ever shrinking private knowledge centers which are positive to make their mark on not technology but businesses at every front.

Moving everything over to the net for IT companies is also a simpler choice as it gives them much more freedom to move around their knowledge between multiple centers. Industry analysts predict that in the next couple of years, businesses are likely to 'rent' their servers than maintaining their own. Thereby ensuring that this trend that will stay.

2. Web TV

Google did dabble in to the net TV market in early 2010, but like Google Wave (& recently Google+, which got rave reviews but finally failed to make its' mark) it flopped. Though in all honesty, the reviews for Google TV weren't all that great but coupled with poor service & lack of interest from the public made Google table the deal for a bit.

However, 2012 might show to be the year of Web TV. With Sony's Web HD TV, Logitech's Revue & Apple's foray in to Apple TV, Web TV is definitely poised to make a comeback as of the largest technology trends for 2012.

3. Better, faster & cheaper Smartphones

As increasingly cheap, faster & 'good looking'' devices are coming in to the market, the competition is getting tougher for Smartphones. One thing is positive though; Smartphones define the future of technology.

The iPhones & the Androids have the market much cornered but it is an open field for their competitors who are out there making cheap Smartphones that cater to every need. Mark our words, this is the future & is probably going to stay of the hottest trends for year 2012!

4. A Hybrid between a Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet & a PC

With increasingly users opting for smart rings & tablets like the iPod & the phone the market is ripe for hybrids, thus making it of the most eagerly awaited technologies for the approaching year.

The PC market has taken a hit with its' sales down in the year so far, but all is not wrong as the tech companies acknowledged that the consumer is looking for a cross over tool that comprises all of the technologies that are part of their everyday lives.

With Apple's iPod providing some kind of cross over gadget between the above, Google has its' Chrome book in the works whereas HP has its Omni PCs to thank & improve in the approaching months. They are waiting to see what magic the tech companies have in store for the next year!

Microsoft and Samsung Sign Smartphone-Related Cross-Licensing Agreement

Microsoft announced Thursday that it has signed a definitive agreement with Samsung Electronics, to cross-license the patent portfolios of both companies, providing broad coverage for each company’s products. Microsoft will receive royalties from Samsung and both companies will develop and market Windows Phone operating system.
Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive unspecified royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running the Android mobile platform. In addition, the companies agreed to cooperate in the development and marketing of Windows Phone operating system and appropriate handsets.
Earlier this year a rumour suggested that Microsoft demanded $15 for each Google Android-based smartphone from Samsung, which is a massive amount of money, given the current situation on the market of smartphones. Samsung agreed to pay $10 per smartphone "in exchange for a deeper alliance with Microsoft" for the Windows Phone platform. Apparently, the two companies have finally found a solution to their legal dispute.

"Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and we are investing to make that a reality. Microsoft believes in a model where all our partners can grow and profit based on our platform," said Andy Lees, president of Windows Phone division at Microsoft.
Charging Samsung Electronics, which is currently the largest supplier of Android-based mobile phones, for patents not only gives Microsoft additional money, but will may also make it easier for the software firm to sell its WP7 operating system to Samsung. But making Android more expensive for manufacturers of phones does not automatically make Windows Phone 7 more competitive than Android, which is why it will hardly translate into larger sales of Microsoft-powered handsets. In fact, making Android-based phones less competitive on the market brings direct benefits to Apple's iPhone and iOS platform.
HTC, another large maker of Android-based handsets already pays Microsoft royalties for their technologies used by Android.
“We are pleased to build upon our long history of working together to open a new chapter of collaboration beginning with our Windows Phone 'Mango' launch this fall,” said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy at Samsung’s mobile communication division.

Source: XBit Labs