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Year in Review: Windows 8, roadmaps, Office Next top the reader charts

Hot topics among readers of 'All About Microsoft' in 2012 included both the predictable (Windows 8, Surface, Windows Phone 8) and the rumored coming product/service releases.
Written by Mary Jo Foley, Senior Contributing Editor

The year 2012 was one of the busiest for us Microsoft watchers in recent memory. Microsoft delivered Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows Phone 8, its Surface pablet/TCs, Visual Studio 2012, SQL Server 2012 and more. I think I logged more miles in October this year than any of the 29 years I've been a tech journalist.

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Speaking of logs, the traffic logs for my posts this year largely, but not entirely, mirrored Microsoft's launch schedule. Predictably, you readers wanted Windows 8 information as early as you could get it. The Surface was a hot button. Roadmaps remained popular items, as did rumors about the expected Office on iPad release.

Here are the top 10 blog posts from my site for 2012 (ranked in order of page views):

Microsoft said to block ability to boot straight to desktop in Windows 8

Microsoft roadmap leaks for Office 15, IE10 and more key products

Microsoft goes public with plans for its new Windows 8 file system

Microsoft Surface tablets: Reading the fine print

The real winner in Samsung vs. Apple: Microsoft?

Windows 8: Why the coming beta is likely to be labeled the consumer preview

HTC's Windows Phone 8 devices: An initial pleasant surprise

Microsoft's Surface challenge: Proving it's a premium product worth a premium price

Microsoft Office for iPad: Separating fact from fiction

Is Metro now a banned word at Microsoft?

Bonus: Microsoft year in review on Windows Weekly

January's likely to start the coming Microsoft-watching year with a bang, with the Surface Pro launch expected toward the end of the month, along with the Office 2013 launch. The dance card of regularly scheduled Microsoft shows and anticipated confabs for 2013 is already filling in.

Thanks for reading, commenting and sending along tips, everyone! Hope to meet more of you, in person and virtually, in the coming year.

 

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