With a whole new year just hours away (or already beginning, depending on where in the world you are) it’s time to take a look back at the most-read posts of 2014 on TNW.
20 – Google speeds up Chrome by compiling JavaScript in the background
Either we have super-geeky readers, or people always like to hear about their Web browser working quicker. We suspect it’s probably a bit of both.
When Google says it wants to build a new high-speed network between countries, people listen. FASTER is due to open in Q2 2016.
18 – Make your Android device a whole lot smarter with these handy apps
Android essentials.
17 – 10 of the best word processing apps for Mac
If you have a Mac and are in need of some word processing recommendations, this short list is well worth a read, and includes free and paid options.
16 – 9 ways to grow your Twitter following (ethically)
Ways to prove more popular on Twitter without getting yourself banned were pretty high on people’s reading list this year.
15 – 20 of the best productivity apps of 2013
Wading through the wealth of productivity apps available probably isn’t the most productive thing to do. However, reading our list of 20 essentials is a fine use of your time
14 – PayPal denies providing payment information to hacker who hijacked $50,000 Twitter username
When one Twitter lost his high-value username, PayPal had to verify exactly what role it had played.
13 – 15 of the best music streaming platforms online today. Which one is best for you?
Sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing. We’re here to help with that.
12 – The rise of OpenStreetMap: A quest to conquer Google’s mapping empire
Google Maps isn’t the only option around, so if you know nothing about OSM, this is a piece for you.
11 – 15 of the best Android apps from March
Why was March so popular for Android apps? We have no idea.
10 – Facebook’s Highlights of 2014 Generates a Beautiful Post of Your Memories
It’s still 2014, so it’s not too late! Go check your highlights now.
9 – This could be the iCloud flaw that led to celebrity photos being leaked
Remember the celebrity photo leak from iCloud this year? Early reports suggested a flaw in iCloud led to the images being leaked, but Apple said otherwise.
8 – WhatsApp finally tells you when your messages have been read
WhatsApp finally introduced read receipts for messages this year, and then quickly offered the option to switch them off as users started complaining.
7 – Roundup: All of Google’s jokes for April Fools’ Day 2014
Google likes to make the most of April Fool’s day. This list is everything the company threw at it this year, including its ‘magic hand’ and ‘Gmail Shelfie’.
6 – Windows to the Web: 10 of the best Android browser apps
A Web browser is a Web browser is a Web browser, right? Wrong. These are the 10 you need to check out on Android.
5 – 32 of the best apps for Google’s Chromecast
Everyone needs a cheat sheet for the best apps to download for Chromecast. This is ours.
4 – Google Maps now lets you find and catch wild Pokémon
We’re not judging, but finding Pokémon hidden around Google Maps on an Android or iOS device proved very popular.
3 – This surfing video shot with a drone and a GoPro at Banzai Pipeline will blow you away
You don’t need to be a drone enthusiast or know what a ‘cruncher‘ is to enjoy this stunning footage shot in Oahu, Hawaii.
2- Sony sells its waterproof mp3 player inside a bottle of water
If you want to convince people that your waterproof MP3 player really is waterproof, selling it inside a bottle of water is one way to do it!
1 – How I lost my $50,000 Twitter username
Who would have thought that the Twitter username @N could cause so much trouble? And spur so much interest from readers! The story of how Naoki Hiroshima was extorted into giving up his coveted Twitter handle was the most-read story of the year.
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