2021 wasn’t a banner year for technology innovations, but there were some interesting products launched this past year. It was also a
year of challenges due to a worldwide chip shortage, surges in COVID-19 infections and widespread criticism and cynicism about the impact of at least some tech companies on our society.
Severe weather, fires at production facilities, a trade war with China and the impact of COVID-19 on chipmaker staffing and consumer demand all contributed to a dearth of computer chips that affected the supply and price of numerous tech-heavy products, including automobiles. The shortage is even having an impact on the upcoming annual CES tech tradeshow set to open Jan. 5 in Las Vegas. Gary Shapiro, who heads up the trade group that runs CES, told the Associated Press that chip shortages, “probably produced more cancellations of exhibitors than anything having to do with COVID.” He added that some exhibitors “are not participating because they just can’t get their product, they can’t get their prototypes together, things like that.” I’m sure the shortage is an issue, but I suspect that the surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant is the main reason the 2022 show is likely to attract a much smaller number of visitors and exhibitors. With the exception of 2021 when CES was cancelled, I’ve been to Las Vegas every year since 1981 for CES, the now-defunct COMDEX or both. But, like my colleagues from many media organizations, I’ll skip the trip to Las...
IBM reached a settlement with the federal government on Friday, agreeing to pay roughly $17 million to resolve allegations of illegal diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Acting Attorney Gen...