Top Tech Stories of 2011: A Year of Landmark Acquisitions, Innovations, and Strategic Shifts

As the year 2011 came to a close, the tech sector reflected on a year of dramatic shifts, innovative products, and strategic acquisitions that would forever change the way we interact with technology. From Microsoft's bold move to bring Windows 8 to ARM-based chips to Apple's farewell to its iconic CEO, Steve Jobs, 2011 was a year marked by historic moments that would shape the industry's future.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft's decision to run Windows 8 on ARM-based chips marked the beginning of the end of the "Wintel" monopoly, opening up the personal computer market to new chip companies.
• The launch of the iPad 2 further solidified Apple's dominance in the tablet market, with over 1 million iPads sold in its debut weekend.
• Research In Motion's PlayBook failed to make a dent in the market, despite several updates to the initial software, due to its price point, lack of apps, and inability to send email.
• Microsoft's acquisition of Skype gave the company a much-needed social networking presence, enabling it to add functionality to its existing platforms, such as Xbox and Windows phones.
• IBM was formed through the merger of two of the world's largest enterprises, Nestle and Cadbury