The 10 biggest stories of 2011 in mobile tech

Editor's note: Amy Gahran writes about mobile tech for CNN.com. She is a San Francisco Bay Area writer and media consultant whose blog, Contentious.com, explores how people communicate in the online age.

(CNN) -- For Americans who own cell phones or other mobile devices (at least 85% of the adult population, according to a new survey), 2011 ushered in a whirlwind of news.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il dead after heart attack, state media repor

(CNN) -- North Korea's enigmatic leader Kim Jong Il -- who, after succeeding his father 17 years ago, captained his poor, closed nation and antagonized its enemies -- is dead, state media reported Monday.

Kim, 69, died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, according to state media.

A tearful broadcaster reported that Kim died due to "overwork" after "dedicating his life to the people."

Kim suffered "great mental and physical strain" while on a train during a "field guidance tour," North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency reported.

At least 180 dead after storm pummels Philippines

Manila, Philippines (CNN) -- At least 180 people are dead after Tropical Storm Washi pummeled the Philippines, officials said Saturday.

The deaths occurred in areas such as Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities and Compostela Valley and Zamboanga del Norte provinces, said Benito Ramos, chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

At least 400 people are missing after the storm, which is called Sendong locally. More than 2,000 have been rescued, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said officials are investigating reports that an entire village was swept away.

Over 100 killed in the Philippines

Flash flooding overnight -- following 10 hours of rain -- fueled the devastation, compounded by overflowing rivers and tributaries. As much as 20 centimeters (8 inches) of rain fell within 24 hours in some areas.

Ramos said despite government warning, some did not evacuate.

Though Washi was headed away from the Philippines on Saturday, trouble could loom for Vietnam, as the storm's westerly path could cross Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday.