Decided to reflect on 2011 a little bit. Socially, I think I’ll remember 2011 as the “Crazy” year. Politicians taking pictures of their Weiner. Charlie Sheen #winning. Social Media playing a role in toppling governments. Demonstrations “Occupying” many cities in the US. The unimaginable happening in Fukushima. And of course the passing of Steve Jobs at the top of his game.
But what about technology? What was earth-shattering in 2011?
To me, Home Technology in 2011 was truly incredible…not because of a specific product like the iPad last year, but because 2011 changed how we acquire our media, software and data. To me, this was the year “cloud” became a word the average person understands.
Here are a few of the major cloud services and devices born in 2011 which I remember:
Apple of course launched iCloud & iTunes Match helping the AppleTV media streaming device become the best selling device on Black Friday. Additionally, Apple opened an App Store for their desktop computers and their latest operating system was delivered via cloud installation only, not CD’s. Boxes of software are become extinct!
Amazon launched their Cloud Player, Video on Demand and of course the heavily cloud dependent Kindle Fire. Bringing an affordable mobile cloud player to the masses.
Microsoft decided to rebrand the X-Box from a video game console, to a media streaming device. The new interface closely resembles their Windows Phone.
Spotify’s awesome music streaming model opened for business in the US, partnered with Facebook and is now enjoying exponential growth.
The Sonos home music streaming system is now available at Target stores!
Google Music was launched….hosting your entire music library and serving it out to your mobile devices.
And Netflix is now available on your toaster (well….not really. Perhaps in 2012).
Happy New Year!! I sincerely hope your 2012 is filled with happiness, laughter, prosperity and joy.
M
