Apple dominates Google's list of "Fastest Rising Technology" searches of 2011 from the United States. (Credit: Screenshot by Eric Mack/CNET)
Google's annual Zeitgeist roundup of the hottest trends in search from 2011 is out, and when it comes to tech, Apple dominates the list.
In Google's top 10 list of fastest-rising technology searches for the United States, the top six are all Apple-related, led by "iCloud," "Osx Lion" and "Ipad 2." "Steve Jobs" also makes the list at No. 8.
Google fared a little better on its own overall global top 10 list, with "Google+" snagging the No. 2 spot. In a major milestone in the history of collective global humiliation, the top search slot for 2011 goes to "Rebecca Black." Apple also occupies three places on the overall list, with "iPhone 5" at No. 6; "Steve Jobs" at No. 9; and "iPad 2" at No. 10.
Google's list of fastest-rising gadgets for the year is a little more representative of the overall market, with Kindle Fire grabbing the search gold in that category. The iPhone 4S was the second-fastest-rising term, and the iPad 2 fills the seventh place. "Sidekick 4g," "HP Touchpad," "HTC Inspire," "Palm Pre 3," and the "HTC Thunderbolt" are some of the other devices that people spent plenty of time coveting via Google in 2011.
It's important to note that these "fastest rising" terms are based on comparing year-over-year data and seeing which terms increased their buzz the most from 2010. So since the Kindle Fire didn't exist in 2010, it had a bit of an advantage over terms like "iPad 2," which was already in the lexicon even before the Fire came onto the scene.
Finally, in Google's top 10 list of cell phone searches--overall, not using the fastest-rising methodology--the query "iPhone" sits on a pretty tall throne above all others. But it isn't completely an Apple world. Serving as a reminder that we can't all afford a top-of-the-line smartphone is the No. 5 entry on the list--prepaid budget carrier "Tracfone."
Eric Mack
Crave freelancer Eric Mack is a writer and radio producer based high in the Rocky Mountains in a "one bar" service area (for both drinks and 3G). He's published e-books on Android and Alaska, and is a contributing editor for Crowdsourcing.org and A New Domain. He also contributes to NPR, Gizmag, and Edmunds Inside Line. Eric is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. E-mail Eric.
I WOULD like to highlight issues regarding my TM fixed line and Streamyx Internet connections which have not been resolved for more than a month.
I have been having telephone problems such as distortion for some time now. So I made a complaint to TM’s call centre.
The next day, one of their technicians came and checked on the problem. He told me my internal telephone wiring had to be changed and gave me a quotation.
So I made an appointment with him after a few days to do it. He came and did the wiring and I paid him as promised.
Soon after, my nightmare began.
It is more difficult to make and receive calls and my Streamyx connection started giving problems. I called the technician, but he said he didn’t do anything wrong. However, a supervisor who came afterwards told me the technician had used the wrong cable.
So I decided to complain to TM again and they sent another technician but until today the problem has not been fixed.
I’m really fed up and considering changing to another provider. The only thing stopping me is the loss of my existing number.
I am a university student and I neThe Stared to use the Internet for my assignments, projects and research.
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) would like to thank the complainant for his feedback and apologise for the inconvenience caused. At the same time, we extend our deepest apologies for the incorrect action taken by our personnel.
We will identify the said personnel and a stern warning will be issued in our effort to prevent such incidents recurring.
We wish to emphasise that TM does not condone such behaviour, particularly in resolving customer’s problems.
However, TM would require the complainant’s details like full name, telephone number and account details to enable us to investigate the matter.
The complainant can contact TM at 100 or via e-mail help@tm.com.my in order for us to investigate further.
GROUP CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, Telekom Malaysia Berhad.
