Big technology trends and storylines of 2012

[Commentary] What will the new year bring? What storylines will dominate the conversation about the tech industry? We’ve scoured forecasts released by analysts, journalists and industry insiders to find what they say will dominate the conversation about the tech industry next year. Here’s what to watch for:

• Mobile payment systems will go mainstream.
• The Facebook IPO will finally happen, and it will be major.
• Tablets will continue their hot streak.
• ‘Ultrabooks’ will gain traction as viable tablet alternative.
• Siri’s popularity will spawn imitators.
• Big tech firms will keep jockeying to be all things to all people.
• “Hacktivism” and other cybersecurity threats will get more sophisticated.
• Patent wars will slog on.

(Dec 30)