MICROSOFT

Web hosting company GoDaddy voiced its support for the SOPA Bill 2012, which would effectively let the U.S. government shut down any websites it feels are in violation of copyright.

Apple won a new patent for switching applications during calls, which will give Android developers a big obstacle to work around. Steve Jobs would be proud.

Microsoft, one of the biggest supporters and mainstay attraction at CES for years, will cancel its keynote presentation and booth at the show after 2012.

Nokia's long-awaited Windows phones may be too little, too late in the smartphone war dominated by Apple and Google, despite positive reviews by handset critics.

Players can also expect a variety of Spec Ops missions.

Yahoo Inc is considering a plan to unload most of its prized Asian assets in a complex deal valued at roughly $17 billion, sources familiar with the matter said on

The largest consumer technology trade show in America has been a launch pad for some of the biggest new technologies and has gathered over 100,000 visitors every year. According to a report on Associated Press, the Consumers Electronics association which organizes CES, has received interest from other exhibitors for Microsoft's booth space.

2012 looks to be a big year for gadgets, as Apple, Google, Microsoft and others are all expected to debut dozens of new devices that push the limits of technology. Here are the release dates for several tablet computers and smartphones coming next year.

Research In Motion Ltd has turned down takeover overtures from Amazon.com Inc and other potential buyers because the BlackBerry maker prefers to fix its problems on its own, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

There was also a report that Amazon.com Inc. considered buying Research in Motion (RIM). But RIM, maker of the BlackBerry, is said to have turned down overtures from Amazon since the company is determined to repair current shortcomings on its own, according to a report from Reuters.

A U.S. trade panel judge found Motorola Mobility infringed a Microsoft patent in making its Android cellphones, the companies said on Tuesday.

A trade panel judge ruled that Motorola Mobility infringed Microsoft's patented technology in making its Android cellphones, Microsoft said on Tuesday.

Japanese electronics giant Sony has triggered a mania among gamers in Japan by releasing Sony PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) on Dec. 17.

U.S. stocks soared on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) ended up 337 points, or 2.9 percent, to close at 12,103. The S&P 500 Index rose 36 points, or 3 percent, to 1,241, while the NASDAQ rose 80 points, or 3.2 percent, to 2,604.

No doubt 2011 was a major year for technology in part because it touched everyone differently. Following are some of the highlights and lowlights of the year:

Shares of BlackBerry developer Research in Motion set a 52-week low of $12.73 Tuesday, continuing their plunge following its report of lower third quarter results and a disappointing fourth quarter forecast.

Skype will offer free Wi-Fi at over 50 airports across the U.S. this holiday season.

At the start of the 20th century, inventors Thomas Alva Edison and Nikola Tesla clashed in the "war of the currents." To highlight the dangers of his rival's system, Edison even electrocuted an elephant. The animal died in vain; it was Tesla's system and not Edison's that took off. But today, helped by technological advances and the need to conserve energy, Edison may finally get his revenge.

Oracle, the biggest enterprise software developer, is scheduled to report second-quarter results late Tuesday. Here are some expert tips on what to watch in the announcement.

Apple Inc scored a narrow victory against Taiwan's HTC Corp in a patent lawsuit over smartphone technology that will set the stage for further battles between rival makers in the fiercely competitive market.

Apple Inc scored a narrow victory against Taiwan's HTC Corp in their smartphone patent battle after the International Trade Commission ruled HTC infringed on only one of four patents at the center of the case brought by Apple.