2012 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2012 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 06 Jan Massive Facebook Password Theft: In early January 2012, reports emerged of a significant security breach involving Facebook users' passwords. The incident raised concerns about online privacy and the security measures implemented by social media platforms. Users were advised to change their passwords and review their account security settings. source: cbsnews.com
- 20 Jan DOE Advances Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Development: The U.S. Department of Energy issued a draft Funding Opportunity Announcement, taking the first step toward manufacturing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), signaling potential advancements in nuclear energy technology.
- 21 Jan International Virologists Suspend H5N1 Research: Leading international virologists unanimously agreed to temporarily suspend research on the highly dangerous H5N1 virus strain due to significant bioterrorism concerns, demonstrating global scientific responsibility.
- 29 Jan IAEA Inspections in Iran: From January 29 to 31, 2012, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted discussions in Tehran with Iran to address concerns about the possible military dimensions of Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA aimed to clarify these issues and planned further meetings to resolve outstanding matters. source: iaea.org
- 05 Mar Apple App Store Milestone: Apple's App Store reached a significant milestone by surpassing 25 billion total downloads, demonstrating the platform's massive global popularity and impact on mobile technology.
- 07 Mar Apple iPad 3 Unveiling: Apple unveiled the successor to the iPad 2, marking another milestone in the company's tablet technology evolution.
- 23 Apr Cyber Attack on Iranian Oil Infrastructure: In April 2012, Iranian oil infrastructure was targeted by a cyber attack, disrupting operations. The attack was attributed to a computer virus, leading to concerns over the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 May Japan shuts down last nuclear reactor: On May 5, 2012, Japan's last nuclear reactor was shut down for maintenance, marking the first time since 1970 that the country operated without nuclear power. This decision followed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 and sparked debates over Japan's energy future. source: bbc.com
- 30 May Scientific Breakthrough in Tomato Sequencing: Scientists confirmed that commercially-available tomato varieties could be created within five years following successful genetic sequencing, potentially revolutionizing agricultural biotechnology.
- 13 Jun UN conference on sustainable development in Rio: On June 13, 2012, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, also known as Rio+20, commenced in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The conference aimed to address global challenges related to sustainable development and environmental protection. source: un.org
- 15 Jun Rare Apple I Computer Auction: A vintage Apple I computer was sold at auction for a record-breaking $374,500, highlighting the growing market for vintage technology.
- 09 Jul Global Internet Disruption from FBI Virus Fix Expiration: The temporary fix by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the Internet Doomsday virus expired, causing internet access loss for thousands of computer users worldwide.
- 21 Jul Fukushima nuclear plant scandal: On July 21, 2012, reports emerged regarding the ongoing issues at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, highlighting safety concerns and the management of the disaster aftermath. The scandal raised questions about nuclear safety regulations worldwide. source: bbc.com
- 06 Aug Prototype Bionic Eye Implantation: Medical researchers successfully implanted a prototype bionic eye using 24 electrodes, representing a significant breakthrough in assistive technology for visually impaired individuals. This development offered hope for potential restoration of vision.
- 16 Aug Nuclear Safety Concerns in Belgium: Nine countries' nuclear regulators convene in Brussels to discuss unusual fissures in the Doel 3 nuclear reactor's steel material. At least two 1 GW Belgian reactors are expected to remain offline until October due to potential structural issues.
- 04 Sep World's Longest Bus Ordered: Beijing and Shanghai place orders for the world's longest bus, a 101-foot AutoTram capable of carrying 256 passengers. Priced at $10 million each, these advanced vehicles feature sophisticated electronics and exceptional maneuverability.
- 15 Sep Japan's nuclear energy policy shift: On September 15, 2012, Japan announced a shift in its nuclear energy policy, deciding to phase out nuclear power by the 2030s. This decision was influenced by public opposition following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 and aimed to reduce the country's reliance on nuclear energy. source: japantimes.co.jp
- 02 Oct EU nuclear safety investment report released: The European Union released a report detailing necessary investments in nuclear safety following the Fukushima disaster. The report emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures across member states to prevent future nuclear incidents. It outlined specific financial commitments and regulatory changes required for compliance. source: ec.europa.eu
- 24 Oct Ireland Ends Analogue Television Broadcast: The Republic of Ireland officially terminated its analogue television service at 10:00 AM, marking a significant transition in broadcast technology.
- 26 Oct Microsoft releases Windows 8: On October 26, 2012, Microsoft officially released Windows 8, a major update to its operating system. Windows 8 introduced a new user interface optimized for touch devices, aiming to unify the experience across PCs, tablets, and smartphones. The release marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach to operating systems, emphasizing a more mobile-friendly and app-centric design. source: microsoft.com
- 27 Oct Apple launches iPad Mini: On October 27, 2012, Apple introduced the iPad Mini, a smaller version of its popular tablet device. The iPad Mini featured a 7.9-inch display and was positioned as a more affordable and portable alternative to the standard iPad. The launch expanded Apple's tablet lineup and aimed to compete with other smaller tablets in the market. source: apple.com
- 21 Nov Toshiba Develops Nuclear Disaster Robot: Toshiba Corporation unveiled a specialized robot designed to aid in nuclear disaster scenarios, potentially for entry into the damaged Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
- 23 Nov Japan Unveils High-Speed Maglev Train Prototype: JR Tokai, a Japanese rail operator, revealed a prototype for the high-speed L0 maglev train. The company plans to launch a Tokyo-Nagoya route using this advanced transportation technology in 2027.
- 08 Dec UN Climate Conference Extends Kyoto Protocol: On December 8, 2012, during the UN Climate Conference, participating nations agreed to extend the Kyoto Protocol, aiming to strengthen global efforts in combating climate change by setting binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. source: en.wikipedia.org
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