2013 is fast coming to a close, so we thought it’d be a fun learning exercise to reflect on all the major events in tech from the last 12 months – IN GIF FORM. Without further ado, here’s what people cared about this year.

 

Probably the biggest story of the year – Snowden blowing the lid off PRISM. Most people’s reactions:

 

 

Conspiracy theorists:

 

 

The whole thing basically turned into a crazy spy movie when we watched Snowden flee to Hong Kong and eventually Russia.

 

 

It was all pretty exciting until we figured out that NSA was probably looking through our iPhone and (extremely embarrassing) Google search history.

 

 

But hey, whatever, there were lots of cool new gadgets and innovations this year to distract us!

 

Like Google Glass, which didn’t make you look like a NERD AT ALL.

 

Elon Musk also promised us the Hyperloop, which could make transit in California go from this:

 

To this:

 

 

Not sure why there’s wind inside the vehicle, but whatever. Just wear pants.

 

Apple also gave us the most fabulous UI ever in iOS7. Come on, look at those COLORS.

 

 

We’re guessing Apple consulted an outside expert for the redesign.

 

 

They were also nice enough bless the world with a GOLD iPhone

 

 

which apparently was kind of a big deal to some people.

 

(actual Apple store footage)

Amazon promised us delivery drones so we can get our bulk toilet paper ASAP

 

 

and Google bought a bunch of scary robots.

 

 

 LARRY AND JEFF, HAVEN’T YOU GUYS SEEN TERMINATOR 2? This wont end well.

 

 

 

I’m definitely looking forward to the Drone Wars of 2020.

 

In sadder news, Steve Ballmer (our favorite dancing CEO) announced his imminent retirement.

 

 

We’re sad to see you go, Steve.

 

 

Since we care about startups and stuff, we should probably run through the big exits and acquisitions. Twitter finally IPOed

 

 

which made it really fun to be around people who had shares. Really, it was awesome to keep hearing about it over and over.

 

“Ooh, look at me, I can afford Uber now.”

Yahoo snatched up Tumblr, which made Marissa very, very happy. Just look at her face!

 

Facebook tried to lure SnapChat with $3 Billion, but they weren’t having it. The internet’s reaction:

 

 

Snapchat founders:

 

 

Google also tried to get us to use Google+ on YouTube for some reason. Just stop it, Google.

 

 

Bitcoin went up, down, up, down, and is now going up again maybe? I don’t even know anymore. At least we have Dogecoin.

 

 

And oh yeah, Tom Draper wants to turn Silicon Valley into its own crazy tech utopia (dystopia?).

 

 

Heading out to the bars tonight? Don’t forget that Uber’s requiring your weight in gold for all rides after midnight. 

 

 

If there’s anything to take away from 2013, it’s this: Beyonce proved that she’s better than all of us. COMBINED.

 

 

She’s the only person who can actually pull off stealth mode, and that’s a FACT.

 

We’re bowing down.

Here’s to 2014! Try not to drunk tweet too much tonight.