We've arrived at the end of yet another week and nearly the end of yet another year. We survived the apocalypse and the holidays.
Through all that, you might not have had time to keep up with the latest in the digital world. If that's the case, you'll want to go through some of our stories from the past week so you don't fall too far behind.
To make it easy for you, we've rounded up all of our usable features into this one post. As always, you'll find editor's picks, social media tidbits, digital business advice, along with the latest in tech and lifestyles. This week, we also have a special section dedicated to our recent year-in-review stories.
The future is coming. Here's what you need to know about it.
Editor's Picks
25 Technologies Every Smart City Should Have
More than 5 billion people will live in cities by 2030. Here's what needs to be in place before then to make cities run smoothly and efficiently.
8 Heartwarming Holiday Campaigns That Give Back
Here are eight phenomenal campaigns sharing the love for the holidays.
5 Apps for Keeping New Year's Resolutions
New Year's resolutions tend to fizzle out faster than an old bottle of champagne. Luckily, several great smartphone apps can help keep you on track with your 2013 resolutions.
8 Ways to Keep Your Screens Looking Brand New
Now that you've been given your dream tablet or smartphone for the holidays, here are a few ways to keep your screens clean.
Fitocracy Turns Workouts Into a Motivational Game
Fitocracy, an app that helps people track and reach their fitness goals, reached top honors in the Mashable Innovation Index Health and Fitness category.
5 Ways to Backup Your Hard Drive
That shiny new laptop you received this holiday, with all those programs and apps, needs more protection from crashes than just occasionally clicking "save."
2012 Retrospective
Here are our picks for outstanding iPad apps of 2012. We have a feeling you'll find these five your new favorites.
Check out Mashable's picks for the best Android apps of 2012.
8 Things I Learned About Tech in 2012
The year flew by, and we saw a lot along the way. Here are the eight most important things Mashable editor Charlie White learned about tech in 2012.
How the Internet IPOs of 2012 Fared
This was a mixed year for tech IPOs, but overall, the Internet companies who went public in 2012 fared better than those who did in 2011.
Facebook in 2012: A Billion Users and Counting
Facebook surpassed 1 billion users in 2012. Here's a look at some noteworthy accomplishments by "The Social Network" during the past year.
This Year in Twitter: 9 Important Milestones
Here's a look back at the nine biggest Twitter milestones of 2012.
Check out our Year End 2012 topic page for more news and resources about 2012.
Social Media
Why Facebook Holiday Cards Leave Me Lonely
Do you send holiday cards to friends and family or post it online for all your friends and followers to see?
What Happens to Your Social Media Life When You Die?
Since so many people have social media accounts, blogs and email accounts, it's wise to give some thought on what happens with that information when you die.
Turn Holiday Photos Into a Video Slideshow With Slide.ly
Slide.ly makes it simple to transform your pictures from Facebook, Instagram and Flickr into a video slideshow that you can share online.
It's Easy to Save Videos From Facebook Poke Permanently
A so-called vulnerability makes it easy to save photos and videos sent with Facebook Poke or Snapchat permanently -- and without the sender knowing.
For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable's social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Business & Marketing
5 Ways to Push Your Company Past the Startup Phase
Launching a startup is tough, but moving past start-up and into phase two can be even tougher.
What's Better for Today's Businesses: Google Apps or Microsoft Office?
Google is encroaching on Microsoft's traditional enterprise customers. Should the software giant be worried?
This year was marked by a rise in mobile set to continue, but matched by startups that boast traction without business models.
5 Startups Working to Improve the E-Book Reading Experience
In the past year, several startups have emerged with plans to change the way we discover, share and consume e-books.
9 Ways Your Startup Can Use Social Media Lists
Social media lists can be valuable tools for businesses. Here are tips to leverage the various networks in different ways, depending on your your needs.
5 Change.org Petitions That Worked
Change.org says its users started 300,000 petitions in 2012, and several of those have led to significant changes within organizations.
For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable's business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Tech & Mobile
Transparent Speaker Shows Off Sustainable, Minimalist Design
The Transparent Speaker, designed by Swedish-based company People People, is a see-through glass box that highlights its black drivers
New Year’s Live App Offers Celebration Coverage From Around the World
EarthCam's New Year's Live app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad lets you watch the new year begin in different locations around the world.
5 Free iOS Games for the Holidays
Ready to kick back, relax and maybe take a break from the relatives? With these five free apps you can have a good time on the house.
Infomatic App Provides Fun Social Stats in a Beautiful Package
With Infomatic, you get an analysis of your online presence presented in a gorgeous package.
First African Designed Smartphone, Tablet Hit Market
VMK created the first African-designed smartphone, which runs on Android software.
What to Do With Your New Kindle
Received a new Kindle for the holidays? Check out our guide for free e-books, audiobooks, accessories and more.
What To Do With Your New Kindle Fire HD
How to get started with your new Kindle Fire HD.
So You Just Got a Wii U. Now What?
If you just got a Nintendo Wii U, try these tips on how to set it up and get the most out of your new console.
10 iPad Cases With Convenient Hand Grips
Among the many styles of iPad accessories on the market, the easy-to-hold case with a built-in handle has to be one of the most useful.
How to Make a TARDIS Bigger on the Inside
One clever fan of Doctor Who has figured out how to make the TARDIS bigger on the inside... at least on a smartphone.
This Is How Lytro Takes 'Living Pictures'
The Lytro camera lets you change the focus, or even the perspective, of photos after you take them. We'll explain how.
Unwrapped a PS3? Start With These 10 Tips and Tools
Did you score a PlayStation 3 for the holidays? We review the top apps and games to pick up right now.
NYC Releases App to Tell You When the Next Subway is Coming
New York City is finally giving subway riders a more high-tech option to figure out when their train is coming.
For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable's tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Lifestyle
WomenWeb Is the Newest Female-Only Social Hub
If you want access to a females-only club where you can make friends and share stories, a new website called WomenWeb.com is making that possible.
6 Apps for Surviving Flu Season
If you're starting to get a little congested, here are 6 apps that will help you get through flu season.
Luxury Tablet Emboldens Your Inner Chef
The QOOQ tablet, by French digital company UNOWHY, is an interactive tablet made for the kitchen.
Gift-Giving Bot Picks Presents For You, on Amazon
Everyone loves a surprise. Especially when that surprise is a present.
5 Fun Ways to Learn a New Language
Learning a language shouldn’t be a chore. After all, reading, listening and chatting with others are all great, enjoyable activities and learning should be, too.
For more digital lifestyle news and resources, you can follow Mashable's lifestyle channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.