Why tech reviews kinda suck now

If I have to listen to one more spec-sheet scripted, marcomms-messaged, cliche-riddled tech review, I’ll… Make this video about why no one should ever have to listen to one more spec-sheet scripted, marcomms-messaged, cliche-riddled tech review. About why tech reviews in general feel like they kinda suck right now. And  I think it’s for 4 main reasons...

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🚨 ETHICS & DISCLAIMER

I work at YouTube which is owned by Google but this is my personal channel and all opinions here are my own

This channel does not produce sponsored or paid reviews. Companies occasionally provide briefings or loan sample products to facilitate reviews but provide no payment and get no editorial input, content approval, or advanced previews. They see them for the first time when you do

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📷 Some video and images via by Getty Images and/or AP Archives
🎸 Some music via by Epidemic

[JoshuaDay]

To all tech reviewers - A SPEC OVERVIEW IS NOT A REVIEW

[rebeccaw]

Bored with tech reviews, I’ve stopped watching them… but reviewers who show me what I can do with the latest tech… whatever it is… they’ve got my attention, and my views.

[KeRH]

No one is willing to be fully critical anymore, they could be blacklisted from the company.

[BGwControlStop]

Some Tech reviewer bought every M1 iMac colour for content, all 5 colours for no reason. There was absolutely no value provided in that content at all. It was just a pretentious waste of consumerism.

[zc]

The master speaks. We need you back Renee

[Smithbriart]

tech reviews have become advertisements.

[Smithbriart]

tech reviews are no longer unbiased....and tech has become boring.

[productfeedback]

They are not reviews because everyone is scared to be honest as it doesn’t align with the marketing of a large organisation. If that’s the case, do behind the scenes with the company, how and why these features exist, how to use them, teach. Use the feedback to improve the product.

[muntahaa]

This is why Jon Prosser videos are winning rn tbf

[VladimirKostek]

This is why I focus on long-term reviews, I always find those more useful when I'm shopping for tech. You get a better perspective. There's certainly always the factor of people holding back too to not upset a company. Like I'm pretty sure I upset reMarkable with a video I made, but Idc at the end of the day trust should be the most important thing for a reviewed imo. First time on your channel, but thoroughly enjoyed hearing your thoughts!

[drewlipps]

Excellent video, I feel every bit of this right now. Part of why I personally just stepped away from doing unboxing and review videos.

[snazzy]

My spon-con robovac showcases are fabulous.

[daledevernon]

I still feel that a 2-year product cycle should be the norm as it will allow companies the time to innovate and produce a product which actually excites users instead of the iterative design that we currently Getting year on year.

[anthonyhernandez]

I like what you are saying, we have become spoiled as consumers and now are addicted to what is coming out next to meet expectations that won’t fulfill our desires. The problem is not the companies the problem is our need for something new!

Great post Mr. Ritchie

[devs]

Rene you are not the problem, your vids are awesome. I still rewatch your apple silicon deep dives and nerd out every time! Tech is boring because we already bought the phone that has the features we want, the laptop that will meet our needs for the next 10 years and the iPad that sticks around until it doesn’t. I don’t care about new and shiny anymore. I personally believe the yearly upgrades need to stop, companies chasing year over year growth isn’t sustainable.

[michaelbakhtiar]

AMAZING writing sir. I miss your many videos. Creativity and journalism at its finest.

[WillNewcomb]

Thank you. Amen!!! Even camera comparison reviews where a quick bit of editing will nullify any differences!

[denniskirschbaum]

Nicely said, Rene. Nice to have you back!

[PeggyKTC]

The thing that doesn't suck is that it seems like there are a ton of good phones right now, and while it's maybe hard to differentiate them, they are mostly actually fine. So who needs a zillion reviews?

As a tech consumer, the list of specs review style is so frustrating because it doesn't actually tell me what is going to matter using the device in my daily life. And I suspect a lot of the changes don't make a noticeable difference. I love the idea of actually seeing what it's like to set up the device, and to use it on a daily basis, right out of the box (assuming reviewers get the same devices as consumers).

[juangoyeneche]

I think this is the best review about reviews in the past years. Most of the tech is getting very good, but nobody is looking at what is the purpose or the difference of each one. Thank you for clarifying why most of the reviews are getting annoying more than useful.