Happy Holidays 2005 from BetaNews

And so draws near a close to yet another year. As we say goodbye to 2005, we at BetaNews would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all of the support we have received from our software authors, downloaders and devoted readers. This has been a momentous year for BetaNews, including the addition of new faces to the team, and it wouldn't have happened without you.

While the outside hasn't changed much, beneath the hood we've been making some big modifications to BetaNews and have much in store as the new year gets underway. We also plan to expand our staff in order to bring you even more news about the software and technology that interests you. In January we'll kick off our live coverage of CES 2006 in Las Vegas.

2005 was a huge year for technology, from Apple shocking the world with its Intel switch to Live 8 to Microsoft launching the Xbox 360. Windows Vista got its name and finally hit Beta 1, while Office 12 made a first appearance. Security came into the spotlight and Sony tarnished its name despite leading the battle against HD DVD with Blu-ray.

But while 2005 was surely the year of search as Microsoft and Google butted heads on numerous occasions, 2006 is shaping up to be "the year of the Web." Google continued to dominate this year, but will be forced to work harder against its rivals by broadening its portfolio of services.

Yahoo will likely expand its arsenal of Flickr and del.icio.us with more Web 2.0 companies, while Microsoft rolls out Windows Live and Office Live. A conference in March will help Redmond as it endeavors to solidify its standing among this new breed of developer. AOL, meanwhile, will take its $1 billion from Google and continue its march away from dial-up toward free Web services.

In what has become a tradition here at BetaNews, we wish all of you a safe and happy holidays as you celebrate with family and friends. Although we are on an abbreviated schedule, be sure to check for new beta releases or jot a quick greeting to the staff.