Before I unleash my predictions on 2012 I first want to reflect on the predictions I did for 2011:

1. The War between Google and Facebook is getting heated up
   With the launch of Google+, Google’s attempt for a Social Network, the war has reached it’s boiling point. Both parties don’t cooperate anymore. They are trying to dominate as much domains as possible going head on. This prediction has come true.
2. The Rise of Drupal and WordPress
   Last year I predicted that Drupal and WordPress would see a rise in a popularity when compared to Joomla. If you look at these stats this has become reality. Joomla is caught in a downwards spiral which has started to decline heavier in 2011. This, I also predicted correctly.
3. HTML5 & CSS3
   This prediction was a bit more complicated. What comes down to is that we (webdesigner) would be able to use more advanced HTML and CSS techniques because of the decline of outdated browsers (such as Internet Explorer 6). This has been the case. Microsoft is even counting down the usage of Internet Explorer 6. A good year for the webdesigner, but for me personally because all three my predictions have been spot on.

And now for the real show: My predictions for 2012:

 1. Apple Downhill

2012 is going to be the year in which the popularity of Apple will start a decline. I don’t expect that everyone will dump any product baring the Apple logo, but there will be a increase of people who will doubt the status of Apple. With the passing of Steve Jobs there is a big gaping hole within Apple. The leader is dead, there isn’t a dictator who has the guts to make decisions. This will result in sub-par products which are the result of compromises.

The iPhone 4S was disappointing, but the iPad 3 won’t be revolutionary. It is going to be a little bit better and faster but that’s about it. The televisions Apple is rumored to be developing won’t be more than a Frankenstein between existing products. If we reflect on the technological advancements of 2012 at the end of this year we will see that Apple has been trumped by Amazon. Because I predict Amazon, with Jeff Bezos as visonairy, will be the new Apple.

2. Webdesign is going back to basic

I already reflected on this here.

 3. Interactive Televisions

2012 is going to be another year in which the interactive television is going to be a hot topic. For years people are trying (and failing) to create a TV which utilizes all the advantages the Internet brings us. 2012 is another year where it won’t happen. Google has been trying to get some grip on the market with Google TV, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to breakthrough in 2012. Apple is also developing a Television (as mentioned above).

It’s not about the medium. It’s about the content. Because what’s the iPod without iTunes or imagine the iPhone without the Apps. It wouldn’t have been such a big hit. It’s going to be extremely difficult to cut a good deal with the Television broadcasters. That’s why I think that 2012 is the rise and fall of the Interactive Television.

What do you think about my predictions? Am I on the right track or is it all bullshit? Let me know in the comments!

In this blogpost I want to share some geeky gadgetry I’ve stumbled across on the interwebs.

The JakPak
When I travel I also aim to pack lightly. Remove all the stuff you probably won’t even use on your holiday and try to be as minimalistic as possible. The JakPak looks like an amazing solution which can fuction as a jacket, sleeping bag and tent! It probably doesn’t sleep very comfortably but the idea is very appealing to me.

MORE/REAL Stylus Cap
I would like to draw on my smartphone or tablet but drawing with your fingers is really hard and most styluses are crap. That’s where these beauties come in! These are caps which you can place on a pen and use as a stylus at the same time. The caps are being developed as we speak so hopefully they will be available soon!

Battle Tag
Nice! A laser game system transforming your living room or garden into a 300m square battle arena! Includes physical items such as reload packs and med-kits. Your PC will be the game master which knows exactly when and how hard you’ve been hit, so no cheating allowed. Time to get off the couch and start gaming IRL! Currently it’s available in the US and it will likely be available in Europe shortly.

More likely future websites will have added layers enabling Voice Control or simplified touch controls. Making websites easier to use on the iPad and future iPad competitors without compromising experience for users viewing the website in an ordinary browser. Because it will take a very long time for the iPad (or any similair iPad-like device) to become a household product. Take a look at the penitration of smartphones. In 2009 only 17% of every mobile phone was a smartphone. Offering your data and services merely through Apps won’t cut it! You still need a website to please the biggest share of users. Websites are not dead, they are ready for their second life.

Update: My Zune works again! I booted it yesterday evening and it went in ‘upgrade mode’. I had to put all my songs back on but it works OK now. I guess it was something do with the internal clock not capable of registering a leap year (366 days) and which resolved itself when the new year started.