S3Corp. Tech Blog

As 2014 came to a close, the tech industry experienced significant shifts, notable product launches, and high-profile acquisitions that defined the year. In mobile application development and web application development, 2014 also marked significant milestones, setting the stage for future trends and innovations. Here, we look back at some of the most memorable events from the year, from major deals and product unveilings to viral moments that shaped the tech landscape.

Major Acquisitions

2014 was a year marked by high-profile acquisitions, with several tech giants making big moves to expand their portfolios. Google kicked off the year with a $3.2 billion deal to acquire Nest Labs, a company focused on home automation. The acquisition added significant value to Google’s efforts in smart home technology. Nest’s co-founders, Matt Rogers and Tony Fadell, posed with Google CEO Larry Page, signaling the beginning of Google’s push into the home automation sector.

Rogers (left), Page (center), and Fadell (right). 

Later in February, Facebook made headlines by acquiring WhatsApp, the messaging giant, for a staggering $22 billion. This deal marked a major expansion for Facebook in the messaging space. WhatsApp’s co-founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, became billionaires as a result of the acquisition. This acquisition not only strengthened Facebook’s messaging platform but also raised the stakes in the competitive mobile app industry, especially with the rise of mobile-based communication apps globally.

In March, Facebook continued its acquisition spree by acquiring Oculus VR for $2 billion. Oculus was best known for its virtual reality headsets, including the Oculus Rift, which was poised to revolutionize gaming and entertainment. This acquisition further solidified Facebook’s position in the evolving virtual reality market. Oculus Rift was expected to launch for consumers in 2015, opening up new possibilities for gaming and immersive experiences.

Mamta Badkar tries out the Oculus Rift.

Apple also made a significant move in May by purchasing Beats Electronics for $3 billion. Beats, founded by music moguls Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, was known for its premium audio products, including headphones and its Beats Music streaming service. With this acquisition, Apple strengthened its presence in the music industry and its efforts in the growing streaming service market, competing directly with Spotify and other services.

Beats cofounders Jimmy Iovine (left) and Dr. Dre (second from right) pose with Apple CEO TIm Cook and SVP Eddy Cue (right).

Leadership Changes and Corporate Milestones

2014 saw major leadership changes in some of the most prominent tech companies. In February, Steve Ballmer stepped down from his position as CEO of Microsoft after 14 years, passing the torch to Satya Nadella, the company’s former head of Bing. Nadella became the third CEO in Microsoft’s history, and his appointment marked a shift towards a cloud-focused strategy for the company. Under his leadership, Microsoft began to focus more on cross-platform services and cloud computing, adapting to the changing demands of the tech industry.

Nadella (left) and Ballmer (right) with Bill Gates.

In another significant moment, in October, Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly announced that he is gay, becoming one of the few openly gay CEOs in the tech industry. Cook’s essay in Businessweek reflected on how being gay had shaped his life, and he shared his pride in the decision to live openly. This announcement was widely praised for its courage and was seen as a significant step toward greater inclusivity in the tech industry, particularly in leadership roles.

Product Launches and Innovations

The year was also defined by key product launches. Apple’s much-anticipated Apple Watch was officially unveiled in September, marking the company’s first new product category since the iPad. The Apple Watch promised to combine fashion with functionality, with features like fitness tracking, communication tools, and an integrated ecosystem with other Apple devices. This launch set the stage for the smartwatch market, signaling the increasing integration of wearable technology into our daily lives.

Tim Cook talks about the Apple Watch

Apple also introduced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in September. These new devices came with larger screens and several upgraded features, including better cameras and improved performance. However, the launch was marred by the so-called “bendgate” controversy, where some users reported that their iPhones bent when placed in their pockets. The issue quickly became a viral topic, with users posting videos of themselves bending the devices. Despite the controversy, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were highly successful, contributing to Apple’s strong performance in the smartphone market.

Meanwhile, Amazon ventured into the smartphone market with its first device, the Fire Phone. The phone featured unique features like dynamic perspective and product recognition, but despite its innovative design, sales fell short of expectations. This highlighted the challenges Amazon faced in a crowded smartphone market, where Apple and Samsung dominated.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos holds the Fire Phone

Viral Moments and Social Media Impact

2014 was also marked by viral moments that captured the attention of millions online. One of the most notable moments occurred during the Oscars, when comedian Ellen DeGeneres took a selfie with a group of celebrities, including Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep. The selfie, posted to Twitter, quickly became the most retweeted tweet of the year, even causing temporary disruptions to the social media platform. This moment demonstrated the power of social media to amplify cultural moments and connect people around the world.

Ellen and celebrity friends take a selfie at the Oscars.

Another viral trend in 2014 was the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. The challenge involved people pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads and nominating others to do the same. Over 17 million people, including high-profile figures like Bill Gates, participated in the challenge. The campaign not only raised significant funds for ALS research but also showed the potential of social media in spreading viral causes.

Bill Gates participates in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Scandals and Security Issues

2014 also saw several incidents that raised concerns about security and privacy in the tech world. In August, a major leak of nude photos of celebrities, including Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton, shocked the public. The photos were reportedly obtained through hacks of iCloud accounts. This incident sparked a wider conversation about the security of cloud services and the need for better protections for user data. While Apple worked to enhance its security measures, the incident highlighted the risks associated with digital privacy in the modern age.

Nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence were leaked to 4Chan

In another significant security breach, Sony Pictures Entertainment was the target of a series of cyberattacks in December. The hacker group, known as “Guardians of Peace,” infiltrated Sony’s internal systems, stealing vast amounts of personal information, including emails, social security numbers, and unreleased films. The attack was later linked to the release of the controversial film The Interview. The incident raised concerns about cybersecurity and the vulnerabilities of large corporations to cyberattacks.

A woman walks past a Sony Corp flat-screen TV at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo January 22, 2009

Mobile and Web Apps on the Rise

Throughout 2014, mobile applications continued to dominate the tech landscape. One of the most addictive games of the year, Flappy Bird, became an overnight sensation. The simple but challenging game shot to the top of the app charts in early 2014, only to be removed by its creator a few months later. Despite its short lifespan, Flappy Bird became one of the most discussed mobile apps of the year and highlighted the potential for viral success in the app market.

Another notable app was Yo, a one-word messaging app that saw explosive growth in 2014. The app, which allowed users to send a simple “Yo” to friends, went from 600,000 to 1 million users in just a week. While the app’s functionality was minimal, its viral success illustrated the growing importance of messaging platforms and the potential for simple, straightforward apps to find success in a crowded market.

Conclusion

2014 was a year filled with high-profile acquisitions, product launches, viral moments, and security challenges that shaped the tech industry. From the groundbreaking Apple Watch unveiling to major cyberattacks, the year marked a turning point in the mobile and web application development industries. As we move forward, these events will continue to influence how technology evolves and impacts our daily lives. With companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook making bold moves, the tech landscape in 2014 has set the stage for even bigger innovations in the years to come. For those in the tech and outsourcing industries, staying ahead of these trends will be key to navigating the future of tech and mobile app development.