So much has changed in the tech world over the past year and each day brings something new. Here are seven technology changes in 2013--ranging from social media and search engines to gadgets and web--that we found interesting. What would you add to this list?
1. Google’s Hummingbird Update
- In September, Google announced the major changes to their search engine algorithm and aptly named the update, Hummingbird. This was reportedly the biggest change to their algorithm since 2001 and took emphasis away from keywords, placing more importance on conversational search. This has changed the way SEO experts operate.
2. Twitter IPO
- Twitter went public in November with their IPO, Initial Public Offering, and their shares sold like crazy. Although the company was not profitable at the time of going public, there are high hopes for the micro-blogging platform in 2014.
3. Facebook Going Away?
- Not just yet. However, reports do show that teens are leaving Facebook in large numbers for other sites with younger demographics and micro-blogging qualities. Currently, Facebook has 1.15 billion active users and is still the largest social media site out there, so we don’t think it will be disappearing any time soon.
4. Vine
- The Twitter-owned mobile app that has revolutionized video clips stepped on the scene in January and hit 40 million users in August. Many teens who left Facebook headed to Vine and top companies, like Oreo, are showcasing their creativity with fun, looping 6 second clips.
5. Google Glass
- In February, Google issued a limited amount of Google Glass to various people to try out over a period of time, as part of the Glass Explorer Program. This technology allows users to take photos, videos, surf the web, send messages, and more, all hands-free. Google Glass really is a futuristic gadget and we’re excited to see what it does in 2014.
6. Snapchat
- A year ago you probably had never heard of this social networking app. Today, it is everywhere. Snapchat, the mobile app that sends pictures with the purpose of them disappearing after a few seconds, launched in 2011 by a group of Stanford University students. Last month, both Facebook and Google offered to buy Snapchat for several billion dollars, however, Snapchat turned down both offers. This leaves us wondering, what do they have in store for 2014?
7. Responsive Web Design
- Responsive web design allows your website to respond to the device it is being displayed on. This offers optimal viewing on any device without having to create a separate mobile site. The term was first coined in 2010 and gained popularity in 2012, however, Mashable called 2013 the “Year of Responsive Design”. Most new sites are responsive and Google is even penalizing sites that aren’t.
These are just a few of the biggest tech changes of 2013. We cannot wait to see what 2014 brings! Informatics works hard to stay on top of technological advances affecting the web industry. For help with any of the above or more information, contact Informatics, your source for All Things Internet®.
Sources: Mashable, Search Engine Land
