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.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
What to know about this autumn’s covid vaccines
New variants will pose a challenge, but early signs suggest the shots will still boost antibody responses.
DeepMind’s cofounder: Generative AI is just a phase. What’s next is interactive AI.
“This is a profound moment in the history of technology,” says Mustafa Suleyman.
Human-plus-AI solutions mitigate security threats
With the right human oversight, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help keep business and customer data secure
Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
From million-dollar slide shows to Steve Jobs’s introduction of the iPhone, a bit of show business never hurt plain old business.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.