Features Hardware The Year in Tech: 2012 Top Tech Stories Page 2 : Apple, Google, Microsoft By TechSpot Staff December 30, 2012 Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Facebook Twitter Reddit RSS Comments Apple, Google, Microsoft Hardware Apple The Web CPU/Graphics Google Tech Culture Software Microsoft Gaming Mobile Patent Wars Security Apple January Apple postpones Chinese iPhone 4S release, crowd throws eggs Apple applies for 'security magnet' patent to unlock future devices February Apple-Foxconn: Controversial factory raised wages 16-25% in February March Apple introduces 'The new iPad', available starting March 16 Apple, book publishers probed over e-book price fixing Apple reveals plans for its $98 billion mountain of cash Steve Jobs named 'Greatest Entrepreneur of Our Time' by Fortune April Apple could become world's first trillion dollar company MacBook Pro owner beats Apple in court over faulty 8600M GT May The new iPad was 'Plan B' for Apple Is Apple's USB wall adapter really worth $29? June Apple announces complete MacBook refresh, thinner 'Retina' MacBook Pro iOS 6 brings new Map app, Siri updates, FaceTime over 3G, more Ultrabooks vs. 13" MacBook Air: Is the Apple Tax Real? iFixit: Retina Macbook is Apple's least repairable laptop ever iMac vs. Windows All-in-Ones: Apple Tax or Not? July Simple three-step hack lets iOS users unlock in-app content for free Apple MacBook Air 13" Review – Ultra-what? Mountain Lion available now, free upgrade codes not working for some The Portable Workstation Benchmark: MacBook Pro with Retina Display Review August Apple still tablet king, regains #1 PC sales spot (counting iPads) Amazon, Apple tighten security following devastating Mat Honan attack Gartner: Smartphone adoption up 43%, buyers waiting for new iPhone Apple calls e-book settlement "unfair, unlawful, and unprecedented" Is this Steve Jobs' plan to revolutionize the television industry? Samsung loses U.S. trial, owes Apple more than $1 billion in damages September Apple iPhone 5 is official: 4-inch screen, LTE, ships this month iPhone 5 breaks preorder record as new rumor teases Galaxy S4 launch 16GB iPhone 5 has bill of materials of $199, $207 after manufacturing Apple responds to customer backlash over new Maps app Swiss railway operator says Apple stole their clock design Apple iPhone 5 Review: Thinner, Lighter, Faster Tim Cook apologizes for Apple Maps, points users to third-party apps October Apple support says iPhone 5 purple camera haze is 'normal behavior' Apple remembers Steve Jobs's life on anniversary of his passing New iPod Touch available in stores, pre-orders begin shipping November UK Court not amused with Apple's 'copy' notice, ordered to replace it Apple may eventually move away from Intel in favor of in-house CPUs Apple "most innovative" company for third year, Booz & Co. finds December Apple announces the App Store's best of 2012 Pristine Apple I computer sold for $630,000 to anonymous buyer Google Maps app for iOS downloaded 10M times in the first two days iPhone surpasses 50 percent US market share for the first time Rumor: Thinner, lighter next generation iPad coming in March 2013 Google January Google adds Google+ data to search results, Twitter cries foul Fortune Magazine declares Google best place to work in the US Google revises privacy policy, responds to critics with the 'real story' February EU, US approve Google's $12.5 billion buyout of Motorola Mobility Google wants hackers to hammer on Chrome for $1 million April Google X reveals "Project Glass", an augmented reality visor Larry Page says Android is important but not critical to Google's success May Google, Samsung unveil Chromebook, Chromebox with Chrome OS 19 June Google buys Quickoffice in attempt to shore up mobile productivity suite Google Chrome for iPhone and iPad hands-on July Google: Android 4.0 on 11% of devices, Gingerbread still on top Google Nexus 7 Review: The Best $199 Tablet You Can Buy Google Nexus 7 tablet costs $152 to build, teardown reveals YouTube to cut spam by asking you to comment with your real name Google launches 1Gbps Fiber network in Kansas City, unveils TV service August Google teaches "I'm Feeling Lucky" button some new tricks September Google says driverless cars are coming within the next five years Google takes Maps underwater, explores world's coral reefs October Beautiful photos of Google's data centers will blow your mind Google announces trio of Nexus devices, Android 4.2 with Miracast and multiple account support December Google saved $2B in taxes in 2011 by sending revenue to Bermuda Google updates image search algorithm, makes it harder to find porn Google may avoid FTC ruling by issuing voluntary changes Google Maps app for iOS downloaded 10M times in the first two days Google may be planning $99 Nexus 7 tablet Google outlines their top 12 Android apps of 2012 Microsoft January Internet Explorer 6 laid to rest after 10 years of service Kinect for Windows set for launch on February 1st February Microsoft reimagined logo for Windows 8 is official Windows 8 Consumer Preview download now available March Former Microsoft employee launches 'Fixing Windows 8' blog Microsoft: Internet Explorer is the browser you love to hate Microsoft seizes Zeus botnet servers in Illinois, Pennsylvania April Windows 8 editions revealed: Two retail, one for ARM, one for enterprise May Windows 8 removes need for 'F8' key, advanced boot menu redesigned June Microsoft talks IE10, "Do Not Track" will be enabled by default Opinion: Microsoft Surface - The Good, the Ugly and the Unknown Scientists hit wireless speeds of 2.56Tbps using light vortex beams July Windows 7 surpasses 50 percent global OS market share Windows 8 Preview users can upgrade to final version for $39.99 Ballmer says Microsoft will leave no stone unturned in battle with Apple Microsoft urges Windows Vista, 7 users to disable desktop gadgets Tech Tip of the Week: Bypass Metro and Boot Directly to Windows 8's Desktop Editorial: Why Windows 8 Start Menu's Absence is Irrelevant Microsoft Office 2013 drops support for XP, Vista Microsoft details Windows 8's improved graphics performance August Windows 8 goes gold, will hit MSDN and TechNet on August 15 Full version of Windows 8 leaked to file sharing sites Microsoft to use 'Windows 8' as replacement for 'Metro' branding Windows 8 vs. Windows 7 Benchmarks: Microsoft's Latest OS Put to the Test Microsoft gets a logo makeover for the first time since 1987 Windows 8 contacts Microsoft every time software is installed September Windows 8 Pro OEM will allow for downgrades to Win 7 and Vista Ballmer: Surface "sweet spot" $300-$800, Windows 8 biggest thing since 95 Microsoft Office 2013 pricing and packages announced Intel CEO believes Microsoft is releasing Windows 8 before it's ready Bill Gates gives Windows 8 his stamp of approval Minecraft creator 'Notch' is the latest to speak out against Windows 8 October Microsoft reveals Surface RT pricing, starts at $499 for 32GB Bill Gates on Windows 8: "It's an absolutely critical product (for the future of the company)" Microsoft Windows 8, The TechSpot Review Surface with Windows RT debuts to mixed reviews, most complain about the lack of quality apps Microsoft won't release Service Pack 2 for Windows 7 Microsoft: four million Windows 8 upgrades sold in four days November Editorial: Has Windows Search Got Any Better Over The Years? Hint: It Hasn't Microsoft's secret OS project Midori is still alive and moving forward Built-in advertising: The Windows 8 feature you haven't heard about Steven Sinofsky, head of Microsoft's Windows division leaves the company Steve Ballmer: Android is too wild and iOS is too tightly controlled Paul Thurott: Windows 8 sales "well below" Microsoft's projections Loophole enables anyone to get a Windows 8 license for free Microsoft: 40 million Windows 8 licences sold so far, 85% launch the desktop on day one Next Windows may be free, yearly upgrades, possible 2013 launch Microsoft Security Essentials bombs tests, loses AV-Test certificate Surface Pro pricing revealed: $899 for 64GB and $999 for 128GB December Data shows Windows 8 hasn't stimulated PC gaming as anticipated New Windows chief explains why Microsoft redesigned Windows Hardware Apple The Web CPU/Graphics Google Tech Culture Software Microsoft Gaming Mobile Patent Wars Security If you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing. 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