The first major tech show of the year is nearly upon us, and with 2012 set to unleash all manner of exciting technologies (and undoubtedly some flops), CES is where we get to see a lot of new tech unveiled first – here’s what to expect.

With just hours to go before 2012 arrives on Australian shores, it’s time for a little look into the tech we know is soon coming, while we wonder what unexpected new tech hits will surely come!

Innovative Australian technology has been utilised in Boeing’s latest passenger jet, the long-range twin engine 787 Dreamliner, which Qantas and its low-fares subsidiary, Jetstar will start flying in 2012 and 2013.

Australia-China research collaborations will benefit from an additional $18 million over the next three years, with the opening of a dedicated Australia-China Science and Research Fund (ACSRF) this week.

An Adelaide law firm has been using iPhones for court reporting, conferencing and client management and had its efforts recognised by the legal industry with the best innovation in legal IT at the National Lawtech Summit awards.

Software developed by Australian company, QSR International, has been used by researchers in New Zealand to analyse feedback and ideas for recovery put forward by residents of Christchurch in the wake of the devastating earthquake which struck the city in February last year.

  Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Broadband Senator Stephen Conroy were on hand today for the launch of the Australian Broadband Applications Laboratory (ABAL), a center established to assist businesses to develop broadband services.

Technology will be the single biggest organisational change in the next 10 years for Australian businesses, with company executives citing technological advances as the primary reason for gaining efficiencies and making their businesses more competitive. Employees, however, see the priorities for change a little bit differently.

In Australia retailers are facing tough times as consumers keep their money in their pockets, and with new challenges posed for traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers by the dramatic shift to purchasing by consumers of all manner of goods and services from overseas, online retailers. But some tips for using technology to help are at hand.

Australia's Department of Defense has gone with a distinctly American company to help manage its internet environment in a $50 million deal.