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Top tech trends of 2009

Engineers didn't make huge improvements to technology in 2009. The year's big tech names -- Twitter, Facebook, Google, Apple, Amazon -- all existed before January. Instead, this is the year technology changed us.

At year's end, we're connected to each other and to the Internet like never before. In 2009, we carried tiny computers in our pockets, through which we fed the Internet constant real-time info about where we were and what we were doing. Our app-laden phones helped us manage our on-the-go lifestyles; our books fell off the shelves and into e-readers; and our mobile updates helped organize protests and even threaten governments.

Check out CNN.com's list of the 10 biggest tech trends of the year.
But not everything was so successful. Can you guess the Top 10 tech "fails" of 2009?

CNN.com 2009: Year in Review

Start a new New Year's Eve tradition

Watch the ball drop with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin, live from Times Square. Join in their celebration as they count down to 2010, and see local traditions from other cities around the world.

Live coverage begins tomorrow night at 11 ET/PT.

Watch highlights from last year's show.

Returning a gift can be costly

Didn't get exactly what you wanted for Christmas? Planning to return a gift or exchange it for something you would rather have? The Massachusetts Consumer Affairs office released a survey that shows more retailers are charging restocking fees -- fees for returned goods if they're opened or not in a factory-sealed box. However, some stores have extended their return deadlines, and eased policies regarding the return of goods without receipts.

Read Gerri Willis' Top Tips to see how to get the most when returning your gifts.

12 Days of Goodness

As CNN.com spotlights "The 12 Days of Goodness" this holiday season, iReporters have shared their personal stories of angels who have shown small kindnesses that meant so much during times of hardship. WausauFamily pays tribute to Dale, a young social worker who taught him compassion and strength during an unstable childhood. Protogere thanks a special class of students who "adopted" her family and helped them get back on their feet during a lonely time of financial struggle.

See more inspiring stories at "12 days of Goodness."

• Source: Terror suspect's father tried to warn authorities

• Charlie Sheen arrested in domestic dispute, police say

• Explosive device set off aboard airliner

• Hollywood couples who make it work

• Passenger helped subdue terror suspect

• Army's future weapon

• Disruption at Vatican Mass

• Attempted terrorist attack

• Should Americans banish the burger?

• What is texting doing to our love lives?

• 50,000 bees check into luxury hotel

• Poo power saves farmer $200,000

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