As technology users welcome 2012 everywhere, it’s clear the year that had just passed was filled with no little controversy and memorable incidents.

From Steve Jobs’ death to the delay of the much-awaited iPhone 5, from the rise of Android devices to Nokia’s return with its Windows Phone devices, and finally, with the potent mix of mobile devices and social media that  helped ignite protests in the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, but also encouraged the thuggery of the London riots, 2011 was a big year in technology.

The next 12 months look to be just as interesting, as existing technologies mature and grow, while other new trends emerge. Here are five things to look out for in 2012: …

Microsoft finally gave us common folk a peak into the next iteration of Windows, which is expected to run on machines from desktops to netbooks to tablets, at the All Things Digital D9 conference earlier this week.

The new operating system features an interface that is heavily inspired by Windows Phone 7, with slick subtle animations and a live tile system.

If the user prefers the old Windows layout instead, it is possible to switch back, as witnessed in the video how Windows 8 reverted back to the traditional Windows interface after launching Microsoft Office. This means developers will have to rewrite their applications for the new user experience if they don’t want to jar their users with frequent changes in interface. …