Brando's 2006 Gizmo Year in Review

From Apple to Zune, Blu-ray to Wii

2006 was one of the most eventful years in recent memory when it comes to tech. For one, not one but two video game companies launched their new consoles to the public, with few in the media willing to forecast the popular winner. In addition, Microsoft, which watched comfortably from the sidelines as Nintendo and Sony battled it out in the video game ring, took time away from Vista work to release its Zune music player. The new device takes advantage of wireless technology, offering a new, very legal approach to file sharing.

The world of stars and celebrities - and those who'll do just about anything to fall into that category - isn't much different from that inhabited by electronics. Just as K-Fed fell from lush living and a generous allowance, Sony dropped the ball on a few important initiatives. Just as TomKat united in matrimony (for the next six to eight months), Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony collectively made video games the most exciting tech realm of the year. Finally, just as Madonna came under attack for her questionable actions in adopting a young African boy, Russian online music store AllofMP3.com bore the weight of mounting pressure from the Record Industry Association of America.

These were hardly the only waves in the ocean of gizmos, but they are a couple of the most notable. Over the course of the next few pages I'll discuss my list of the top 10 stories in technology during the calendar year 2006, from the spread of wireless Internet to digital music to the bungled misdirection of one of the industry's most trusted companies.

1. The Wi-Fi Explosion
2. The Changing face of file sharing
3. Rise of the Xbox 360
4. "Wii Elbow"
5. Zune takes a bite out of Apple's market share
6. The misery of the PlayStation 3
7. The glory of the Wii
8. HD DVD vs. Blu-ray
9. Console shortages mean holiday headaches
10. Sony stinks it up

My favorite caption of the year: "White Chicks"

Personally, I found myself involved in a number of the most popular trends in 2006. I wrote a Nintendo Wii review, fiercely covered the "Wii Elbow" phenomenon, and was involved in intense debate over AllofMP3 and the controversial factors that separate the Russian online music store from file-sharing protocols executed by the RIAA in the past. Most importantly, I began writing for Gizmo Café, and it's been a great forum for exploring the tech world.

All right, enough of the sentimental junk, on to the hottest, most-hyped news of the year!