2013 Technology Current Events: Year in Review

This year has seen many new technologies emerge and, more importantly, the maturing of previously existing technology. Computer technology current events certainly have a lot to offer as we take a look back on the biggest changes in the industry.

Affordable Solid State Drives

To begin, solid state drives (SSDs) have finally come down to a reasonable price point, even for the average consumer. Allowing for data transfers at speeds up to 10x as fast as a traditional device, SSDs make reading files and boot times much faster. Additionally, the relatively new hybrid drives, which combine both traditional hard drives and SSDs into one standard connection, have opened up a world of possibilities. No longer are SSDs reserved just for gamers, programmers, and the ultra-elite consumers. Rather, more and more laptops and desktops are coming with them standard or as optional upgrades. Moving forward, SSDs combined with ample RAM will serve to revitalize previously struggling computers.

Increased Cloud Computing

The cloud has also grown tremendously in 2013. Obviously, the notion of the cloud has been around for a while, but this year saw a big development in its use and function. The existing ecosystems, such as Apple’s iCloud and Google Sync, have grown more and more complete, proving to offer almost seamless transitions from one device to another. Another aspect which has been added, especially with Windows 8, is the use of different profiles transitioning seamlessly to the cloud. This means that a user can switch computers and still have access to their documents and settings, thanks to SkyDrive. All of these innovations together have not necessarily redefined how we use computers, but rather have developed into more fully integrated systems which ease our transitions from one device to another.

Mobile Device Innovations

Finally, 2013 has really been the year of the non-traditional computer. New and emerging form factors, such as tablets and phones, have taken off into a world of their own. Apple’s iPad Air and iPad Mini have moved the iOS ecosystem forward, as well as Google’s Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 tablets allowing greater content production, rather than simply consumption. While Microsoft may have come a bit late to the party with their Surface series, the ever-increasing number of laptops with touch screens, coupled with the new Windows 8 Metro style of computing, has increased their pull in the touch-centered computing world. Looking forward, Microsoft seems to be poised in a unique situation to seamlessly bridge touch and traditional computing platforms at the same time. Apple and Google will need to rethink their approach if Microsoft’s idea of a single device that accepts touch or keyboard and mouse takes off.

Overall, 2013 has not seen huge, ground-breaking inventions. Rather, a series of thoughtful innovations have occurred, improving existing services and further helping users make use of devices and plans they already have. Moving ahead, a series of computer technology current events similar to those mentioned will frame how 2014 will play out.