Esteemed tech review site 'AnandTech' shuts down after 27 years
What's the story
AnandTech, a prominent technology review website known for its detailed analysis of computer hardware since 1997, has announced its closure.
The news was confirmed by the site's Editor-in-Chief Ryan Smith. He described this development as the culmination of a journey that began and ended with reviews of AMD processors.
Despite ceasing publication, the existing content on AnandTech will remain accessible online under the management of its current owner Future PLC.
Legacy preservation
Legacy and future plans
Future PLC has committed to preserving the AnandTech archives online indefinitely and maintaining the site's forums.
Some staff members from AnandTech will continue their work at Tom's Hardware, another tech website from the '90s era that remains active today.
Both AnandTech and Tom's Hardware have been under the same ownership since 2014, while maintaining separate sites and branding.
Economic factors
Financial challenges behind closure
While Smith did not provide specific reasons for the site's closure, he hinted that it was a financial decision by Future.
He stated, "The market for written tech journalism is not what it once was—nor will it ever be again."
This statement suggests that economic factors played a significant role in the decision to cease operations at AnandTech.
Founder's journey
AnandTech's founder and his vision
Anand Lal Shimpi, the founder of AnandTech, led the site until 2014 when he left journalism to join Apple.
He was part of the team that developed the M series Apple Silicon chips.
Before his departure, Shimpi expressed concerns about online media shifting from in-depth analysis toward sensationalism and clickbait content.
This ethos of prioritizing quality over quantity was a guiding principle for AnandTech throughout its existence.
Industry evolution
The changing landscape of tech journalism
Ken Fisher, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Ars Technica, echoed Smith's sentiments about the evolving market for tech journalism.
He noted that technology has become thoroughly mainstream compared to the late '90s.
Fisher also pointed out that big tech advertisers are now equally willing to promote their products on lifestyle websites as they once did primarily on tech sites.
This shift in advertising trends has significantly impacted traditional tech-focused platforms like AnandTech.