Top 5 Technology Releases of 2010

In 2010 we witnessed a wave of new technology products. Some were very mediocre and many were rehashes of other products, but a handful stood tall above the rest. When a piece of technology can change the world by helping others communicate better, have more fun, or work more efficiently, it will often stand the scrutiny of the public and gain mass appeal. It takes the right combo of marketing, product placement, timing, and innovation to release a gadget that will be loved by millions. It's not easy, but it's great when a product lives up to the hype and becomes a hit. Here's a list of  some of the biggest successes of the year.

Windows Phone 7

Windows Phone 7 isn't just a good phone, it's a great phone. Microsoft did everything right and finally put out a phone that tech and non tech fans could love. It's easy to use and comes standard with useful features. After Microsoft's Kin phone disaster the Windows Phone 7 looks especially good. It's a serious product that can compete with the iPhone and some of the best Blackberry and Android competitors.

The Amazon Kindle

The Kindle e-reader from Amazon is an interesting piece of technology that just keeps getting better. In 2010 Amazon released the third incarnation of it's beloved reader and fans couldn't be happier. A lightweight product that's easy to use will always win over a devoted group of users. The best part is that through it's evolution the Kindle has remained affordable and practical to the average person. Amazon is smart to leave the tablet market alone and devote its focus towards the Kindle.

Adobe Photoshop CS5

What can be said about Photoshop that has yet to be said? If you've yet to try out Abobe's latest version of Photoshop you're missing out. The number one photo editing software technology just keeps getting better. Professionals and wanna be professional have and will continue to love Photoshop. The CS5 edition helps Adobe retain its title.

Logitech Revue and Google TV

Google, an already established giant in online content consumption, decided to tackle entertainment with it's Google TV offering. Logitech Revue is one of the few choices available when it comes to accessing Google TV and the two naturally fit together. Google has a vision of offering online media and normal web browsing through television sets across the planet. Logitech Revue is the technology that makes it a reality. Although the perfect world of an open catalog through big TV networks is still a fantasy, it's nice to see Google and Logitech moving in the right direction.

Apple iPad

It needs no introduction, but the iPad takes the cake in 2010. Not only did Apple dominate the tablet market on its first attempt, it reopened and revitalized a once dead medium of media consumption. The iPad was the biggest technology release of the year without question.