Poll: Movers and Shakers of 2009

As we come close to the end of 2009, I look back at the number of technological advances and innovations, more specifically in the Philippines. There are so many of them that I thought we’d do a poll and pick out which one stands out from the rest and made huge impact to a lot of people.

From gadgets to services and a whole slew of geeky stuff, here are my nominees for the movers and shakers of 2009:

• Touchscreen Phones. Little did we expect touchscreen phones will be accepted this early and this quick. Say goodbye to the stylus and hello to the opposing fingers.
• Google Android OS. Google’s Android OS for the mobile phone has sparked another round of frenzy that can only be compared to the time when the iPhone was first introduced.
• WiMax Internet. WiMax opened up the competition and made wireless broadband more accessible especially to consumers in the last mile who don’t have much option.
• Microsoft Windows 7. One of the biggest newsmakers of the year is Windows 7. It’s my most-awaited product of the year.
• dSLR Cameras. Canon and Nikon showcasing a number of nice and affordable entry-level SLRs as well as HD-capable ones made the digital SLR camera on the wishlist of almost everyone.
• Unlimited Mobile 3G. Nomadic internet connectivity is heaven-sent and the introduction of cheap and unlimited mobile 3G completes the picture. We have to thank Globe, Smart and most especially to Sun Cellular for leading the way to cheaper 3G internet.
• Netbooks. Started out 3 years ago and still making waves ’til today, netbooks have become the standard buy for first-time laptop owners. They come by the dozen too.
• Blackberry Service. Push messaging is here and it’s available in prepaid and unlimited plans.
• eBook Readers. The introduction of the Nook and the availability of the Amazon Kindle to the Philippines put eBook readers on the map for 2009.

I wanted to put Twitter and Facebook on the list but I thought they would not have become very popular in the Philippines had we not had some of the items listed above (i.e. cheap 3G, netbooks, smartphones, etc.). Besides, I think they’re just getting critical mass now and should be felt more strongly in 2010.

Go add your vote on the Poll in the sidebar or leave a comment below to justify your pick.