2012 has been a busy year in the tech world. Samsung got slapped with a mind-bending $1.05 billion patent infringement payout, Microsoft took a shot at the hardware business with its Surface tablets, paired with their new touch-centric OS, Windows 8, Apple finally released an iPad mini, Nokia took another stab at regaining its lost momentum in the smartphone world, and Google got more involved in the hardware scene with its revamped Nexus line.
Without a doubt, it's been a busy year. So, based on what was popular this year, what will the big buzz be in 2013? Let's take a look at the top Google searches in tech for 2012:
1. iPad 3
Apple's iPad lineup got a little fuzzy early on, with the iPad 3 being launched as "the New iPad" instead of just "iPad 3."
The new iPad launched with a faster processor, and was thinner, but it wasn't a revolutionary change from the iPad 2. It did support the new AirPlay standard for wireless video streaming with the AppleTV, but overall it was just a generic spec-bump, for the most part.
2. Samsung Galaxy S3
Samsung's latest smartphone, based on Google's Android platform, is definitely a good-looking phone. With a much larger screen than the iPhone 5, it provides a good choice for those consumers who aren't tied into Apple's ecosystem and who are seeking more real estate. The 4.8" Super AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass (like Apple's mobile devices) provides a super-sharp view with high durability.
3. iPad Mini
Apple's long-awaited iPad mini finally arrived, sporting a screen resolution identical to its bigger siblings, and introducing Apple's new 16-pin connector standard, called "Lightning." Capable of running all the existing iPad apps, the iPad mini was a popular choice of tablet leading into the 2012 holiday season.
4. Nexus 7
Google partnered with ASUS to produce the Nexus 7, a 7" Android tablet that started at just $199. Pursuing a loss-leader strategy, seeking to sell content more than just hardware, Google priced the Nexus 7 to sell. It was followed up later with a 10" version, called (you guessed it) Nexus 10 from Samsung, and the 7 launched simultaneously with the Nexus 4, from LG.
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
The South Korean tech giant produced an interesting "phablet" (yes, that word sucks and should be summarily executed) that blurred the line between a phone and a tablet. Some complained that it was too large for most pockets, but an almost 6" screen on the Note II is a welcome option for a lot of people, considering that it sold very well.
6. Play Station
Sony's venerable PlayStation line has grown a bit long in the tooth, so it's no surprise that people are looking for information on the rumored PS4. However, since the next iteration of the line hasn't been announced yet, and it could be a year or two before it's released, you can expect the BlueRay-packing game console to still do well this holiday season.
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