This article looks back at the significant developments and stories I found interesting in 2021.
Silicon chip shortage in 2021
The worldwide shortage of silicon chips has been the main ongoing story of 2021. The Silicon chip shortage will likely continue into 2022 and maybe even 2023. If you are interested in how the crisis started, you will find my article on why is there a silicon chip shortage? An interesting read.
Microsoft launch Windows 11
The biggest shock of 2021 was Microsoft decision to return to release new versions of Windows. A significant change in Microsoft’s position since 2015 when Windows 10 was released, with Windows 10 being the last version of Windows with regular system updates introducing new functionality.
Windows 11 was released for testing by Windows insiders during the summer and released in October 2021. In October, I published an article on why I wasn’t going to update in October. I hadn’t been expecting any major issues with Windows when I wrote that article, but I was wrong.
Following the release of Windows 11, I started to read stories of PC users with AMD processors whose performance issues had impacted. Both AMD and Microsoft driver updates to resolve this issue. Some Windows 11 users were then affected by several Microsoft applications not working due to problems with security certificates.
Microsoft also used the release of Microsoft Windows 11 to introduce changes to how Windows managed the changing of the default web browser. I think this is Microsoft abusing its position. You can read more about my thoughts in whether these changes were an anti-competitive move by Microsoft?
Civilization VI Barbarian surprise
I have been playing Civilization since the early 1990s. I was surprised, and I will admit I felt excited about how the changes to Barbarians would impact Civilization. You can read my thoughts on my Civilization VI Barbarian clans article changes.
Humankind the hype & disappointment
I’m a long time player of Civilization. When I became aware of the hype surrounding Humankind, I felt intrigued. I was looking forward to playing the game, hoping that it would drive some new life into turn-based historical strategy games. You can read about my thought in my comparison of Humankind with Civilization article.
Conclusion
I wonder what the highlights of 2021 were for you?
Next week I will try to predict the future as I try to look ahead into 2022.