The Year in Tech: 2012 Top Tech Stories

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