Why I stopped doing tech reviews 

The RU-vid algorithm is broken Rene. Y’all need to fix that. I’m being herded into tiny results that include tons of videos I’ve already seen. RU-vid has become an overly aggressive border collie. I can’t discover anything new.

Tech reviewers frustrate me because none of them represent me. They all represent RU-vidrs who have a very specific workflow: filming, producing, and editing videos. So every tech review is from the perspective of “how well can it render/edit videos” which I just don’t care about. That workflow doesn’t apply to me.

Unless the channel buys the product themselves, I feel these channels are all a part of the big marketing machine. Whether they want to admit to it or not.

My biggest gripe with tech reviews I noticed when shopping for the iPhone 12. Every reviewer went over the specs and how they work for me, but they rarely offers their thoughts on which was best to use (hand feel etc). I was comparing phone sizes at the time and contemplating the max. I wanted to hear their opinions on having a max phone vs not. But everyone just basically read off the spec sheet which I can just do myself.

Another issue is these reviewers often try to answer the question, “Should you upgrade?” But given the line of work they are in, the access they have to the latest products, and it’s such a personal question to begin with, they shouldn’t even ask.

This is why I watch Flossy Carter for real tech reviews. His stuff is no filter no CTA and he says what he truly feels about the products even if it takes 45 minutes to 1-hour to get it across to his audience. He’s the real deal when it comes to real tech reviews

I agree. It would be awesome if we could brands and PR companies to rethink the current embargo model.

Tech reviews *are* broken because every You Tuber cannibalises the original review and does their own spin. So we get a dozen variations on the same topic with nothing new to say.

The problem I have with more day in the life stuff is I get almost zero value out of it. I get a better sense of the product just by going to the Apple store and looking at the product myself. Basic surface level stuff are just better covered by the companies themselves. IMO, tech reviews should go beyond that to give value.

attacking Maxtech lol

Those apple and blackberry references are just so hilarious 😆

Very interesting analysis. Ten years ago when a new product was released I would have watched perhaps a dozen videos which would each be original and different. Now those same reviewers have millions of subscribers and each will produce pretty much the same material except it is now filmed on high-end equipment worth thousands of dollars. As they have become hugely successful they have transitioned into being sales agents for the manufacturers and their reviews are safe and pretty much all the same. Flossy Carter is an honourable exception to this as he tells you everything you could possibly want to know about a product in an unbiased way.

Over the years I’ve been commenting on a lot of the mainstream RU-vid tech reviewers about things you pointed out. Glad you made a video about it.

Ahhhh, Walt Mossberg; if there was any tech journalist with whom I would love to have a cup of coffee, it is him, one-hundred percent, hands down, no doubt, no competition. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves for helping drive interest in technology by merely informing the public, and in the most effective way I might add. I know many now call MKBHD the tech review GOAT, and perhaps he is the modern version. But long before Jordan became the face of basketball, someone had to help shape the sport. Mossberg was to tech journalism what Bill Russell (may he RIP) was to basketball.

One week after M2 MacBook Air releases. My longterm M2 MacBook Air review.

The apple and blackberry had me giggling out loud. Always an A+ experience, Rene!

Thanks for sharing. Your points are spot on. Blessings on your day 👍🏻

I never thought much about what type of reviews I preferred as it depended on the product and how serious I was about a possible purchase. After finding your posts I became a subscriber and regular viewer because it seemed clear that you knew what you were talking about and your reviews covered my areas of interest. Thanks for taking the time to putting together informed discussions and best wishes as you transition to your new role.

My man Rene saw these Insta360 Link reviews and said enough is enough 😂😂😂

The Apple to Blackberry stock footage 🤌🏻

man, ur content is great. MKHB and Max Level. Keep this level. Congrats

one of my favorite channels for reviewsnis the every day dad! absolutely love his channel

You were/are my go-to for reviews! There is so much junk out there. Sad to hear this

The New Style of the video is amazing!

My issue is that a lot of the reviews were very much centered about content creators. Specially with phones. Like, I really don’t care that incredibly much about the cameras and I don’t do pixel peeping, yet a massive chunk of the reviews are centered around the cameras. Something that the great majority of people might use once or a few times a day at most.

This was thought-provoking. Thank you. I’m loving the new direction, Rene. Keep it up.

Great reporting!

i loved this video. They are happy with the status quo. I believe a disruption is due. thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Loving this new direction of meta tech videos. Big up, Rene

Modern RU-vid is a lot of infomercials… (not just tech)

Interesting topic. In what way would you preferred to watch an unboxing or a review video? What would make you more interested watching a tech review video? As a viewer myself I want to feel excitement and laugh when watching a video. Or at least be surprised by the content Even if it is tech video. Also I want to learn something new, or at least get information that I cannot get myself from reading the products/company internet page. And of course I want to have my questions answered so I know if this product is something I could consider buying. What is your preference when watching a tech video?

Thanks to Renee for all your years of tech support coverage and issues! Best of luck on your new endeavors! Whatever you do, you always have been topnotch, trustworthy, and the "go to" and I'm sure will bring that to your new projects.

I agree with Rene. There is a lot of repetitive reviews that are repetitions of other reviews.

So in the end it comes back to the move of shipping a 256 GB after the parts were no longer available again.

Basically "Don't Ask Questions, Just Consume Product And Then Get Excited For Next Product"

I don't think the solution is to let reviewers start posting during the pre-release period that was traditionally embargoed. If the problem is a flood of semi-informed posts from people who've had time with the device, how exactly is it a solution to change that to a flood of completely uninformed posts from people the instant they start touching it? This is politician's logic at its worst. "Something must be done. This is something. Therefore we must do it." But your solution would lead to a far worse position than things stand now. The flood wouldn't change. The only thing that would change would be how informed the people were, giving us these videos.

That Apple and Blackberry 😂😂😂

The topics are quite interesting although it has a deep means inside it..I myself getting confused lately by the design that the company should made..instead of hearing rumors, their part isn’t on investigate the real part, instead of making confusing statement makes us as a user to be in out of nowhere instead they keep saying redesign but at the end, hopeless to see for a redesign is lost and keep it at the same way as it was..one of the most shocking is that they changing the way to charged the iPhone on lightning towards the USBC that only attracts android fans to own one and it’s apps ability to changed..tho isn’t Apple ways and perhaps near future, it’s not a brand that people loves as Apple user but a frustrated towards the company’s decision to make it more oddly and didn’t seem to understand what really people of Apple user wanted and being inspired for the brands..hopefully you shared this frustrations towards people who only changed for design but not the desired to changed on the internal apps and the App Store redesigned as whole identifications of software and as the improvements of Apple Inc. regulations in company’s decision maker.

Thank you for this.

Wait, is that Rene? Lol!!! Thanks for the video drop boss !!

I think the issues with most mainstream reviewing (especially with embargo's) is that its a race to get it out first, therefor you don't get the full experience with a product and then you start to see subsequent videos correcting their review with titles like 'I was wrong' and 'I can't believe I missed this'. It doesn't paint a real picture of the product or what it does or doesn't offer. I think MKBHD's long term iPhone review was the only review I watched where it was an actual deep dive into using the device and all the quirks discovered over a long realistic timeframe, yes it probably doesn't help during the launch cycle, but it was a proper review. I do find myself enjoying day in the life videos more so for the scripted scenarios they bring to RU-vid rather than the 'review' they produce.

Another concept that the new tech review needs to account for is that the standard consumer does not update with every release. If the focus of a video is whether someone should update from the M1 MacBook Air to the M2 MacBook Air then the reviewer does not understand their audience.

Thanks!

They've always been broken. The biggest issue is that most reviewers are not truly independent (access), and too many (not all) act like marketers for the companies. The Apple lovers are the worst.

Add to this benchmarks. I want to love benchmarks and watch the graphs go "VROOOM!...", but when most consumer tech has already advanced to the point that average daily tasks are far, far easily handled without breaking a sweat--what is a benchmark then?

Your videos are just sooo interesting

6:12 🥹 Thank you so much

The lower thirds of iJustine says iJustine Molina...not sure if that is a typo. Great video! (timestamp: 5:04)

All of these creators are exploited by massive companies. If everyone said no I won't take your product, I'll wait till I can buy it to review it. Pretty much exactly what consumer reports always did, and sites like Rtings are currently doing. The views and hits would plummet, the issue is the hype train. It's "paid" commentary by the corporations. The YT creators, bloggers, and whatever else are on the payroll. They make a living so it's understandable. The system is broken, but people are entertained and don't care until they actually want to purchase something and research thoroughly or ask their tech friend, same how it's always been.

Preach!!

Another Great Video..😎👍 Thanks Bro 🤩👊💥

Hello random person in the comments!

i think you just did figure it all out, now someone just has to do it

I watched a review on the pixel fold the tech blogger said it was a great phone when it launched but when the pixel 8 launched all of a sudden the pixel fold was a waste..

Great video. I wonder if much of the expansion and weird embargoes developed from pressure and abuses by RU-vidrs, not just the companies trying new and bizarre ways to frustrate audiences. “FIRST!” Is not just the ridiculous quest in the comment section but RU-vidrs themselves have distorted all meaning of the word. I started tuning out when iPhone 14 “leaks” started a week BEFORE the 13 release.

Algorithms have broken all social media platforms

Please don't take this the wrong way, but the Apple and Blackberry b roll is my favorite part of this video 🤣

Hello, Rene!

I hate how some reviewers will find one small problem (Real or Perceived) with an otherwise great device and will give a very negative review based on that small issue. Some reviewers need to be more balanced with there reviews and judge a device as a whole.

It’s so weird but his right I think couple days ago I saw video on my feed for the new iPhone didn’t know the reviewer and also didn’t check the name of the channel but I guess the hype of the new phone got to me and so I watched the video and like a minute in I realized it was an actual Apple video but it was done in a way that made it feel like unlocker or MKBHD video like they took the phone out and shown it in different places while show casing all the new features…so I think it’s safe to say they realized they have tech fans

2:50 how poetic the literature matches the figurative

Isn’t it spelled ‘embargos’? Where’s the e coming from

Fantastic video loved you direction on new generation marketing witch I don’t agree bravo from montreal!!!

all the RU-vidrs think people care about speed tests and pro machines because they are compiling videos but most just worry about speed because they are sick of beachballs while doing everyday things. But now no one cares after the M1. Now I only see beachballs if an app freezes

Please reach out to Shad in your new role. I would add Brian at what was CO but that bridge may be burned.

5:05 ❤️❤️ ur the best Rene

You are so true in what you say 👍👍👍👍

I think the most frustrating part for me is that these reviewers get so much tech, that the lose touch with the average consumer. I remember when a very large tech reviewer was saying how he was shocked a certain iPhone still had 60hz refresh rate, and how disappointed all those who got it would be. well, me and millions of people bought this phone and are very happy with it. due to the tech he has access to though, he truly believed this would be a real deal breaker for most. or how the gamers nexus guy goes on and on about proprietary parts like this is a really bad thing when 99.9% of the the things in our life that plug into the wall are made with proprietary parts. I feel like we are lost in the woods somehow.

I am struggling as a tech creator and I'm wondering if there is something more meaningful I could do. Or maybe make better videos and I would have more success I don't know at this point

It’s just the cult of personality… when the reviewers are the product more than what they are reviewing.

No 4K... Why is that ? Amazing quality as always, it's just a shame to not see every little detail. Otherwise, perfectly tuned

I miss your technology reviews

Portland, JAMAICA in the Building !!!!!!!!

The big problem isn’t the reviews it’s RU-vid. Which - very understandably - Rene can’t say as they’re his employer. It was the YT algo which caused reviews to narrow down and companies media operations simply adapted to it not create it…

Great way to put it for all the creators. RU-vid liaison at work trying to fix the toxic mess in the tech review space.

Yea folks issa wrap, RR fed tf up!

You missed the fact 'brand bias' makes a difference. They wouldn't send an iPhone to someone unlikely to like or review it favourably. I video of yours I can get behind though Rene.

You can’t sit in a room with a fluorescent light behind you anyone. Oh

If you want another Walt Mossberg go to Mark Ellis Reviews

It is revealing that you are free to say these things now after being hired by RU-vid.

My opinion is RU-vidrs who are in the in crowd and at these events, are watching too many other creators themselves. If you just focus on the content you want to make, You wouldn't be worried that your videos aren't innovative or creative. I do my best but I'm just a truck driver who loves tech products and wants a better life. So I do what I love and try to help people. I'm not going to let other people push me or other RU-vidrs make me feel like I need to change. Unless, That change is improving my content and my life.

RU-vid could also help here, to much rests on clickbaity titles, drama and being first. Also I really hate "first look" content which is heavily NDA'd if you are interested in the product end up with time line of a million Videos all saying the exact same limited approved content, and you can't tell until you start watching if its going to be any more in depth, like being rick rolled over and over. Camera companies are particularly bad at that.

The lack of innovation and commoditizing of tech reviews kind of goes hand in hand with the commoditizing of tech products in general as well. YT Tech reviewers resort to benchmarks and controversies ad nauseam when there's just not a whole lot else to talk about anymore. Yes, there's another new phone, it has a slightly better camera sensor, slightly faster processor, slightly better battery life. What else is there to talk about? A "day in the life" review video would just be like saying "its another new smartphone. Your smartphone is already a miraculous device, and this new one marginally improves an already great experience." I mean there's just not much more to say. We have become numb to the miracle of our smartphones, and most people take for granted that they have a touchscreen Unix supercomputer in their pockets connected to high-speed wireless broadband everywhere they go. So reviewers resort to the technical differences that they can dive deep into and drag out into multiple videos. I can't stand it, but I don't really blame them. Some go more shamelessly than others, but what can you do...I guess I wouldn't want to see the tech reviewer scene fizzle out, so something needs to keep peoples attentions.

Juan Bagnell Channel does it best.

you're my personal favorite

Bought and paid for RU-vidrs not giving anyone other than Apple or Samsung the time of day, the sheer ignorance of the average consumer, and the greed and lack of care towards the environment from smartphone manufacturers has been a disaster to the smartphone market.

Maybe I'm jaded from working with so much stock imagery in my job, but I feel these videos would be better without the stock video. They give an air of inauthenticity, which works against your very authentic fresh takes.

I absolutely hate embargo day. Timeline completely flooded with the same product, whether I follow the channel or not. It’s kinda exhausting.

Just re-watched this video. I think we trust certain people for tech reviews. There’s always foolishness associated with anything online. It’s too bad that foolishness drove you out of the tech reviewing space, even though you’ve got a much better job now!

Spot on Rene. I’ve been so bored with tech reviews, although the same thing is happening with automotive reviews which are another former interest of mine. Seeing 10 versions of the same thing for reviews makes me less interested in the product in general, not more interested.

I think embargoes are great. They stop the mad rush to be first.

Ide yang cerdas

Fix the ALGO!!!

Rene Ritchie your the best,how can people tell the consumer the same thing for 12 months,I hope Apple com has a plan B if CHINA 🇨🇳 make things difficult for everything AMERICA 🇺🇸.

I think Shevon Salmon is the future of reviews, his day in the life videos are next level

iJustine is a perfect example. She never really reviews anythings, it’s all Ad after Ad playing it safe. Whatever she says or shows you already know from the product website. She’s just regurgitating.

This is one of the reasons I've limited my subscriptions to a lot of these tech reviews. They don't really represent me as a normal user. Don't get me wrong, I love tech. I enjoy the latest and greatest that comes out, but these reviews all do the same thing. Only it's only when people stop watching and stop clicking that maybe they will think about the audience.

There is a Symbiotic Relationship between 'new product' and 'new reaction'. Every company will try to 'normalize' the market place with their own product. Asking them to do things new and different is like asking them to give up their company "successful sales formula". That what happen to "Coca Cola Classic" Mr mobile, previously from "Pocket Now" deliberately change his review format with long term "after the buzz", because some tech reviewers only review products if it wasn't in their hands. Company embargo are aggressive, but unlikely to change upon reviewers request because it is a privilege propitiatory inside information prior to 'launch date'. Anyone saw product reviews released near to the launch date will know the quality and depth of it review will be lacking compared to those wiling to place under long term product use, which are the type of review videos difficult to find.

Answer is for the big tech reviewers on RU-vid to refuse to do them for a few months.

I've given up watching reviews from bigger channels. They largely feel like commercials now - the "experience" of the review is devoid of personality and nuance and relies on the audience pull and charisma of the presenter. Marques Brownlee is a charismatic guy and his videos are exceptionally well polished and presented, but his reviews are, well, dull. Bigger channels just feel like the big end of town fashion labels now - mostly style over substance. I think Rene's point is valid, just give the review samples to a bunch of TikTok kids now if the reviews are going to be superficial content talking about specs.