Ah, the fresh start of a new year. That time when we promise ourselves we're really going to hit the gym three times a week. Or call our family more often. Or pay off our credit card.

We have our own resolutions, but to kick off 2012 right, we figured we'd offer a few new ones for the biggest tech companies to get them started on the right foot.

Do we think these companies actually have any of these on their list of resolutions? No way. Call us optimists, but with the start of a new year comes the hope that things could change for the better.

Maybe we'll get lucky.

Apple

Give up on social already. This is the year to kill off Ping, Find My Friends, and Game Center and start integrating third party social services into iOS, just like Twitter has been built into iOS 5.

It's not there yet, but Android is getting pretty darn close to the iOS' level of sophistication. Be worried and really wow us with iOS 6.

You make the best tablet on the planet, but others like the Kindle Fire are gaining momentum by beating you on price. After the iPad 3 goes on sale, hang on to your dominance in the tablet market by keeping the iPad 2 around for at least another year at a cheaper price.

Google

Find a way to put pressure on developers to stop making Android apps look like the ugly step cousins of their iOS counterparts. Apple continues to eat your lunch when it comes to app selection, and that drags the entire Android platform down.

No more drastic design changes to Gmail, Google Calendar, or Google Reader. Please.

Google+ is starting to feel like a winner. Now find a way to really set it apart from Facebook instead of copying its features and putting them on a white background.

Microsoft

This is your make it or break it year for mobile. Nokia's debut in the U.S. could be Windows Phone's ace in the hole or its complete undoing. Either go all in or give up now.

Windows 8 for tablets looks impressive so far. This year is your chance to provide the first great alternative to the iPad. Show us why that is.

Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG and other Android manufacturers

Don't let year-old devices die on the vine without updates. Apple and Microsoft are able to keep their mobile devices up to date for at least 18 months. Plan to do the same with your 2012 lineup or risk angering more customers than you already have.

High-end phones that cost $250+ should feel like high-end phones that cost $250+. No more of this cheap plastic junk. Let's see some real design innovation in 2012. (Looking at you, Samsung.)

Android Ice Cream Sandwich is the best design for the OS we've seen yet. Don't pervert it too much by adding clunky skins and modifications. Let Google shine through a bit.

AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile

Be up front and clear about any performance, location, or app tracking software you require on handsets. We don't need another Carrier IQ surprise this year.

Ban the term "4G" from your marketing vocabulary. 4G doesn't exist. The term is confusing to consumers. And it's even more confusing when your 4G network runs on two very different standards so your customers don't know what they're getting when they buy one of your "4G" phones. (That means you, AT&T.)

Laptop and notebook manufacturers

Keep cranking out those excellent super thin Ultrabooks. Price is important, but learn from your mistakes in 2011 and don't sacrifice on quality.

Twitter

The latest update to your app is disgusting. Start making changes or third party developers like Tweetbot are going to swoop in and snap up your users.

Facebook

Privacy. Just think about it.