Technology’s Uncle Walter
If the TV news business has a guiding patriarch, it’s Walter Cronkite. If the consumer technology business has one, it’s Walter Mossberg. Wired Magazine’s May issue has an illuminating profile on Mossberg, whose Personal Technology column in the Wall Street Journal is without doubt the most influential and widely-read source of commentary on new technology products. No other technology journalist has Mossberg’s clout or his power to influence technology design itself; the Wired piece, for example, relates episodes like Microsoft’s decision to drop Smart Tags (a feature of Windows XP that would have allowed Microsoft to insert links to its own websites or sponsors’ sites into any other Web page) after Mossberg attacked it as an abuse of power.
Like many people, I’d think twice about buying any product that Mossberg panned. He’s gained this kind of sway through a combination of approachable writing, brutal honesty, and unquestioned objectivity – all characteristics I have to admire deeply as a fellow technology writer.
Deep Dive
Uncategorized
Our best illustrations of 2022
Our artists’ thought-provoking, playful creations bring our stories to life, often saying more with an image than words ever could.
How CRISPR is making farmed animals bigger, stronger, and healthier
These gene-edited fish, pigs, and other animals could soon be on the menu.
The Download: the Saudi sci-fi megacity, and sleeping babies’ brains
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.