Sony Tvs 2011

2011 Technology Trends: "Out With The Old And In With The New"

The start of 2011 promised to be a transformational year for technology. Intel CEO Paul Ottelini mentioned in his speech at last year's Intel Capital CEO Summit that this was going to be the year for continued growth in desktops, laptops, netbooks, personal devices (tablets), smartphones and smart TVs.

In less than 11 months, we've seen his prediction of growth right in someways and off the mark in others.

What happened to netbooks and Smart TVs?

The netbook market failed to excite buyers with underpowered processors. Consumers turned to tablets, mostly Apple's iPads. Intel announced record earnings in 2011. Their data showed growth in desktops and laptops that came mostly from emerging countries, with flat or declining sales in mature markets.

Smart TVs from Google and Sony floundered and didn't gain a foothold with buyers. Despite the hoopla about Internet connectivity and the promise of a new experience, consumers viewed televisions as static objects for viewing rather than an interactive happening.

iPads and ebooks dominate

In a market once dominated by Intel and Microsoft, the real growth in technology devices was driven by Apple. Amazon and Barnes and Noble entered the fray by marketing and selling updated versions of ebooks that featured table-like capabilities. Amazon's Kindle Fire immediately impacted Apple's market share. The Cupertino-based company still has over 65% of the market. The Fire, selling for $199 compared to $499 for the lowest cost iPad, now holds just under 14% of the market. It took share away from Samsung and Apple, as both saw their percentages decrease.

HP and RIM launched their own tablets, and both failed miserably. Despite these setbacks, Lenovo is planning to release an Android-based tablet that's slated for the consumer and enterprise markets. A Windows version running Windows 8 should hit the streets in early 2012.

Android smarphones surge

Android smartphones from HTC and others proved be popular with users. Microsoft-based phones lagged behind the competition. The software giant joined forces with Nokia in an attempt to regain relevance in an ever-changing environment. With Nokia now working with Microsoft, Intel announced a desire to partner with Samsung.

If 2011 was a sign of continued transformation, 2012 should be equally dynamic with new entrants and challenges for "old technology" firms.