Giveaways
Giveaways have become a popular tool for tech companies to manipulate the media. Marquez MKBHD has identified this as one of the five key ways tech companies manipulate the media. Companies have realized that by partnering up with influencers, they can reduce the negativity surrounding their product. For example, when the Nothing Ear Ones were released, the company asked Marquez to give away 100 custom versions of their product as part of his review video. This is a tempting offer, but Marquez realized that without testing the earphones, he would look foolish if he then said he didn’t like them.
Coming Soon Feature
The “Coming Soon Feature” is another way tech companies manipulate the media. This feature is announced on stage and makes headlines, but it is not ready yet. An example of this is when the iPhone 11 was released and the Deep Fusion feature was announced on stage. This feature was not available at the time, but it was still included in the review.
Early Access
Tech companies also offer early access to products to influencers and reviewers. This gives the impression that the product is already available and popular, even though it is not. This can create a false sense of demand for the product, which can lead to more sales.
Exclusive Deals
Tech companies also offer exclusive deals to influencers and reviewers. This can be in the form of discounts or free products. This can be a great way to get influencers to promote the product, as they will be able to get a good deal on it.
Press Events
Tech companies often host press events to promote their products. These events are often attended by influencers and reviewers, who are given exclusive access to the product before it is released. This can create a sense of exclusivity and make the product seem more desirable.
Apple’s Deep Fusion Feature
Apple’s Deep Fusion feature was touted as a revolutionary new technology that would revolutionize photography. However, when the feature was released, it failed to live up to the hype. Despite this, many reviews, both written and video, included quotes from Apple about the potential of the feature. As a result, the public was left with a false impression of what the feature could do.
Abuse of Embargoes
Tech companies have been known to abuse the embargo system. They often issue dual embargoes, which require reviewers to make two separate videos or articles about the product. The first video or article must be a “first impressions” piece, while the second must be an in-depth review. This allows companies to control the narrative and ensure that the initial coverage of their product is positive. Furthermore, the second embargo often coincides with the product’s pre-order date, thus giving the company two waves of coverage.
MKBHD’s Experience
Tech YouTuber MKBHD recently experienced this firsthand when reviewing a product. He was given a list of restrictions for his first video, which prevented him from giving an accurate assessment of the product. This is a common practice among tech companies, and it is often done to ensure that the initial coverage of their product is positive.
The Impact of Manipulation
Tech companies manipulating the media can have a significant impact on public perception. The false impressions created by quotes from Apple about Deep Fusion, as well as the restrictions placed on reviewers by dual embargoes, can lead to an inaccurate understanding of a product. This can have a negative impact on the public’s trust in tech companies and the media.
Tech Companies’ Manipulative Strategies
Tech companies have become increasingly adept at manipulating the media to their advantage. This is evidenced by the recent launch of the Microsoft Surface Duo, where reviewers were told to focus on the hands-on experience of the device, rather than providing any benchmarks, camera judgment, or camera samples. By restricting reviewers from giving their opinions, tech companies are able to give viewers the impression that their product is flawless, with no negatives.
MKBHD’s Experience
MKBHD, a popular tech reviewer, was subject to this manipulation. He was given two embargoes, the first of which allowed him to show as much hardware as he wanted, as long as he didn’t turn the device on. This restriction was clearly intentional, as it prevented MKBHD from giving his opinion on the software, which was not yet finished.
The Impact of Manipulation
The impact of tech companies’ manipulation of the media is far-reaching. By controlling the narrative, they are able to shape public opinion and create a false sense of perfection around their products. This can lead to consumers making uninformed decisions, as they are unable to get a full picture of the product’s capabilities.
The Need for Transparency
In order to ensure that consumers are making informed decisions, tech companies must be more transparent about their products and allow reviewers to give their honest opinions. This will help to prevent tech companies from manipulating the media and ensure that consumers are able to make informed decisions.
MKBHD’s Experience with Tech Companies
Marques Brownlee, popularly known as MKBHD, is a tech YouTuber who has had experience with tech companies trying to manipulate the media. In one instance, he was not allowed to turn on a device on camera, which was a major red flag. This was because the device had a great hardware design, but the software experience was not great. Similarly, when reviewing a pair of earphones, the company initially wanted two embargoes, where MKBHD was not allowed to talk about fit or sound. He felt that it would be difficult to make a video about a pair of earphones without talking about how they feel or sound in the ears. After pushing back, the company eventually agreed to change it to just one embargo.
Manipulating the Media
Tech companies often try to manipulate the media by enforcing embargoes when it suits them. This is done to control the narrative and ensure that the media coverage is in their favor. They may also try to limit the amount of information that is shared, so as to not reveal any potential flaws in the product. This can be done by limiting the amount of time that the product can be tested, or by not allowing certain features to be discussed.
The Impact of Manipulation
The manipulation of the media by tech companies can have a significant impact on the public perception of the product. If a product is not tested properly, or certain features are not discussed, then the public may not be aware of any potential flaws. This can lead to an inaccurate representation of the product, which can ultimately lead to a negative experience for the consumer.
Tech Companies’ Manipulation of Media
Tech companies have long been known to manipulate the media in order to promote their products and services. This is especially true when it comes to the launch of new products, where tech companies will often employ tactics such as embargoing first impressions videos in order to control the narrative surrounding their product. This was recently highlighted by tech YouTuber MKBHD, who was asked to travel to London in the middle of a pandemic to film a video for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
The Embargoed First Impressions Video
MKBHD spent a full week scripting the video to make the best possible piece of content he could, and the second the phone launched, he posted it. However, shortly after, the company emailed him to take the video down, as it violated their first impressions embargo. This was because MKBHD had made a comparison between the new phone and a different model, which the company deemed as too much information to give for first impressions.
Comparisons in Phone Launch Presentations
Interestingly, Samsung had already told people that the new phone was 20% faster than the last one, and that the camera had better autofocus and the S Pen was more responsive. These are all inherently comparisons, and so it is clear that Samsung was not actually concerned about the comparison made in MKBHD’s video, but rather wanted to control the narrative surrounding the launch of their product.
The Implications of Media Manipulation
The implications of tech companies manipulating the media are far-reaching. Not only does it create an environment of distrust between tech companies and media outlets, but it also means that consumers are not getting an accurate picture of the product they are buying. This can lead to consumers making uninformed decisions and ultimately being disappointed with their purchase.
We want to do this interview and we want to do it on the same day as the launch, and we want to do it at the same time as the launch.
Dual Embargoes
Dual embargoes are a common practice among tech companies, wherein they restrict journalists from publishing reviews of their products until a certain date. This allows the companies to control the narrative around their products and prevent any negative publicity from being released before they are ready. This practice is unethical, as it prevents journalists from doing their job and providing unbiased reviews of the product.
Exclusives and Interviews
Tech companies have also begun to use exclusive interviews and other promotional content as a way to manipulate the media. Companies such as OnePlus have approached MKBHD with offers of world exclusives and interviews timed to coincide with product launches. This allows them to use the interview as a mask to offset any negative press they may receive, as well as to generate positive publicity for their products.
Organic Impressions
Tech companies have also been known to use organic impressions and evaluations as a form of free promotion. This involves companies approaching influencers and other media personalities to review their products, in exchange for a free sample or other compensation. This practice is often used to generate positive publicity for their products, as well as to increase their reach.
Delicate Dance
The relationship between tech companies and media personalities has become a delicate dance, as tech companies attempt to manipulate the media to their own advantage. This has led to an increase in the number of exclusive interviews and other promotional content, as tech companies attempt to use these as a way to offset any negative press they may receive. It has also led to an increase in the number of organic impressions and evaluations, as tech companies attempt to use these as a way to generate positive publicity for their products.
Tech Companies and Media Manipulation
The relationship between tech companies and the media is a complex one, with both sides often vying for control of the narrative. In recent years, tech companies have increasingly sought to manipulate the media in order to promote their products and services. This has been achieved through a variety of tactics, from out-of-context quoting to exclusive interviews and promotional campaigns.
Out-of-Context Quoting
One of the most common tactics employed by tech companies is out-of-context quoting. This involves taking quotes from interviews or reviews and using them in a way that misrepresents the original context. For example, a tech company may take a quote from a review praising a product’s features and use it to suggest that the reviewer was recommending the product as a whole. This can be a powerful tool for tech companies, as it allows them to shape public opinion without having to invest in expensive advertising campaigns.
Exclusive Interviews
Tech companies often use exclusive interviews as a way to promote their products and services. These interviews are typically conducted by well-known figures in the tech world, such as MKBHD, and are designed to create a sense of excitement around the product or service. During the interview, the tech company will often try to steer the conversation towards topics that are favorable to them, such as the product’s features and benefits.
Promotional Campaigns
Tech companies also use promotional campaigns to generate interest in their products and services. These campaigns typically involve the use of influencers, celebrities, and other high-profile figures to promote the product or service. These campaigns are often carefully crafted to create a sense of urgency and excitement around the product or service, and can be highly effective in generating sales.
Tech Companies Leverage Reviews
Tech companies have long leveraged reviews from popular tech influencers to promote their products. In the case of MKBHD, Samsung used his words to promote their Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, titling it “The Perfect Samsung” on their homepage. This was done without informing MKBHD or linking to the full video, which would have provided the context of his words.
Mashup Videos
Another tactic employed by tech companies is the use of mashup videos. These are short clips of reviews from various influencers, edited together to create a 30-second advertisement. These videos are designed to leverage the trust people have in the reviewers, but they often chop out any caveats or negatives mentioned by the influencers.
Manipulation of Reviews
By selectively choosing which parts of reviews to include in their advertisements, tech companies are able to manipulate the media to their advantage. This can be done by omitting any negative comments or by taking quotes out of context. This can lead to a false impression of the product being promoted, as the full context of the review is not provided.
The Power of Media Manipulation
The power of media manipulation is evident in the case of MKBHD and the Red Hydrogen One smartphone. MKBHD’s review of the device was initially met with lukewarm reception, however, the tech company’s clever use of the YouTuber’s content to create a promotional mashup was able to turn the tide of public opinion. By carefully editing and curating the content to focus on the device’s unique features, the tech company was able to create an image of the device that was far more appealing than the initial reviews.
The Effects of Media Manipulation
The effects of media manipulation can be far-reaching. By carefully crafting a narrative that is more favorable to their product, tech companies are able to sway public opinion in their favor. This can lead to increased sales and a more positive public image. Additionally, it can also lead to a decrease in consumer trust, as consumers may become wary of the tech company’s intentions and question the accuracy of their reviews.
The Dangers of Media Manipulation
The dangers of media manipulation are numerous. By altering the narrative of a product or service, tech companies can create a false sense of security and trust in their products. This can lead to consumers being misled and potentially purchasing products that are not up to their standards. Additionally, it can also lead to a decrease in consumer trust, as consumers may become wary of the tech company’s intentions and question the accuracy of their reviews.
The Need for Transparency
In order to combat the dangers of media manipulation, tech companies must be transparent about their use of content. They should always seek permission before using content and should always inform consumers of any alterations that have been made to the content. Additionally, tech companies should also be open and honest about their intentions when using content, so that consumers can make informed decisions about the products they are purchasing.
Tech Companies and the Media
The relationship between tech companies and the media is often a complex one. Companies often use the media to promote their products and services, while the media use the companies to generate content for their publications. However, tech companies have been known to manipulate the media to their advantage. This manipulation can take the form of pre-launch giveaways, dual embargoes, exclusive interviews, and out-of-context quotes.
Pre-Launch Giveaways
Tech companies often use pre-launch giveaways to generate hype for their products. These giveaways are usually announced in the media before the product is available for purchase. This allows companies to create a buzz and generate interest in their products before they hit the market.
Dual Embargoes
Another way tech companies manipulate the media is through dual embargoes. This is when a company provides a product to two different publications, but only allows one of them to publish a review of the product. This allows the company to control the narrative and ensure that only positive reviews are published.
Exclusive Interviews
Tech companies often offer exclusive interviews to certain publications. This allows them to control the content of the interview and ensure that only positive information is released. This can also be used to promote their products and services.
Out-of-Context Quotes
Tech companies can also manipulate the media by providing out-of-context quotes. This is when a company provides a quote from an interview or press release that is taken out of context and used to promote their products or services. This can be used to create a false impression of the company or its products.
MKBHD
Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, is a popular tech YouTuber who has been vocal about tech companies manipulating the media. He has spoken out about pre-launch giveaways, dual embargoes, exclusive interviews, and out-of-context quotes. He has also highlighted how tech companies can use these tactics to control the narrative and promote their products.
Tech companies often try to manipulate the media in order to control the narrative and ensure that the media coverage is in their favor. This can have a significant impact on the public perception of the product, as certain features may not be discussed or tested properly. MKBHD has had experience with this type of manipulation, and has pushed back against it in order to ensure that the public receives an accurate representation of the product.
Tech companies have become increasingly adept at manipulating the media in order to promote their products and services. From out-of-context quoting to exclusive interviews and promotional campaigns, tech companies have a variety of tactics at their disposal to shape public opinion and generate interest in their products and services.
Tech companies have a variety of tactics they can use to manipulate the media to their advantage. From leveraging reviews from popular influencers to creating mashup videos, tech companies can distort the truth and create a false impression of their products. It is important to be aware of these tactics and to always look for the full context of reviews before making a decision.
