Looking back at tech in 2008 – and predicting what might happen in 2009

NetworkWorld has a fun compilation of the “wackiest technology stories of 2008.”

And, of course, what is almost as fun as looking back at what happened in 2008 is speculating about what might be next year – as PC Mag does with its list of “8 Tech Predictions for 2009.”

Yahoo!Tech reports that “Google Inc. denied that it had reversed its stance on the issue of ‘Net neutrality’ and dismissed a story in Monday's edition of The Wall Street Journal on the subject as ‘confused.’  Citing undisclosed sources, the newspaper reported that Google had been in talks with major cable and phone companies about getting preferential treatment for traffic to and from its sites.  That would conflict with the principle of Net neutrality, under which carriers traditionally give the same treatment to traffic from different sites. The Federal Communications Commission has voiced support for the principle, and sanctioned Comcast Corp. this year for slowing some types of file-sharing traffic. Google has been a vocal supporter of Net neutrality.”

The International Herald Tribune has an interesting article on the challenges facing brands who want to advertise on social networks such as Facebook. 

Inc.com writes that “[a]ngel investors backed fewer startups this year, though they provided more cash per deal, the Angel Capital Association reported Friday.  Excluding deals struck in December, angel groups  made an average of 6.1 investments in 2008, down 16 percent from last year, the Kansas City, Mo.-based trade group said.  At the same time, the average size of investments rose by six percent to $208,936. Despite the gain, total funding per angel group dropped to $1.72 million, from $1.94 million in 2007.”