Tech Features

The modern world in which we live gets more and more tech-centered with every passing day. But, who's complaining, the world of tech is becoming evermore fascinating and exciting at equal speed. Here's the big tech news from the week just gone...

The death of Mozilla Firefox?

Most of the web world rejoiced when Mozilla Firefox came on the scene and wrestled full control of the internet from Explorer's firm grip. But the champion of reinventing the net may become a victim of its own success.

At its peak Firefox had a 30 per cent market share, but now that's down by a third to just 20 per cent. And the reason? Well, it's mainly Google Chrome - in just three years it has captured 20 per cent of the market and is continuing to rise.

But unlike Chrome, Firefox's growth was much more slow and steady. And, just like its rise, its decent seems to be just as long-winded. Over the past three years it has seen a constant decline in users. This may just be a decline to a realistic level, but it could also spell the death of the once revolutionary browser.

Google getting stuck into cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the 'big idea' that's been floating around the tech world for the last few years, but its uses have mainly been applied to the business world. But, with rumours doing the rounds that Google is experimenting in the area, cloud computing could be coming closer to the reach of the average punter.

Google Drive, as it's been dubbed, would probably see a consolidation of Google's data hosting from the likes of Gmail. But the move could make Google a few more enemies. They already have close partners like Box, who specialise in cloud computing.

But, whatever Google decide to do, I'd be pretty sure it'll be an almost instant success just like everything else to do.

Pinterest could be the new Facebook

There may be new social networking sites being called 'the newest threat to Facebook', but it seems Pinterest could actually be a serious challenger.

It's only been around for year, but it's already secured the accolade of the quickest website ever to reach 10 million users. In the second half of 2011 its visitors rose by a staggering 4,000 per cent. A stat which is even more impressive considering that it's been invite only all that time.

The site itself deals only in pictures and is a bit like a personal scrapbook that anyone can have a look at. You can create walls of specific interests which people can follow. Basically, it's a bit like Facebook, but just with pictures.

So the new iPad 3 is on the way

Steve Jobs may no longer be at the helm, but Apple are still being their old tight-lipped self about the new iPad. The third version of Apple's tablet is rumoured to be in shops on this side of the Atlantic be late March.

What's even more impressive is the iPad 3 looks set to have a whacking great quad-core processor, a better HD-quality camera, more storage and a bigger battery to power a much improved 2,048 x 1,536 Retina Display.

The most surprising rumour of all is that the tablet may not even be called the iPad 3. Chinese manufacturers are already beginning to sell a cover for something called the iPad 2S. Whatever it's called, get ready to get your first glimpse of it soon.

The first wheel comes off the international anti-piracy agreement

Between SOPA, PIPA and ACTA we've had out fill of anti-piracy legislation and agreements. But, they just won't go away. SOPA and PIPA may have gone caput, but Ireland's version and the international agreement ACTA are still around.

While Ireland's SOPA looks set to be signed into law soon ACTA is beginning to have a less easy time of it. Germany has destabilised the whole thing by not signing up to it.

While the Germans are saying they're only giving themselves time to think about it, the move has substantially damaged the agreement's credibility. Whether it will be enough to make other countries think again is another thing.