Welcome! I'm Matthew S. Smith, a prolific technology journalist, author, and consumer tech consultant from Portland, Oregon. For 18 years, I've covered cutting-edge technology from a variety of perspectives.
I’ve reported extensively on the technical and legal issues surrounding AI, interviewed CTOs and technology leaders at innovators like Perplexity and Anaconda, witnessed the early rise of the metaverse and blockchain technology, and reviewed thousands of PC laptops, desktops, monitors, and other consumer gadgets.
In addition to journalism, I provide consulting for consumer technology companies and start-ups. This includes mock reviews, product comparisons, and 1:1 conversations to address product challenges. With nearly two decades immersed in consumer tech, I offer unparalleled insight into what users want—insight your company can use to give its product a competitive edge.
Last but not least, I cover Internet gaming history. My research into early online games led to my first book, which explores the cultural impact of the seminal 1999 massively multiplayer game EverQuest. Published by Boss Fight Books, it’s available on Amazon as well as other major booksellers.
The publications I've worked with include IEEE Spectrum, PC World, Reviewed, PC Mag, MIT Tech Review, The Verge, Ars Technica, Wired, Business Insider, Lifewire, IGN, MakeUseOf, Kotaku, and Consumers Digest, among others.
I was an editor at leading independent consumer technology publication Digital Trends for nearly six years, starting in the role of Computing Editor and rising to the role of Reviews Editor. I led a group of editors to cover products in literally every major category of consumer tech. Together, the team tested over 1,000 products every year.
I frequently appeared on Digital Trends' YouTube channel during my time with that publication. This included video reviews and exclusive features, such as a deep-dive on Intel's Hades Canyon NUC which, at the time, was the most powerful gaming PC of its size.
I co-hosted a PC hardware podcast with Greg Nibler and Brad Bourque in 2016 and 2017. Close to the Metal issued over 50 thirty-minute episodes during its run. I’ve been a guest on several podcasts and shows, including the New Books Network, Codex History of Video Games, Still Loading, and Exposure. I’ve also appeared nationally on news networks such as KTLA.
In addition, I host my own YouTube channel, Matt on Tech, where I cover trends in consumer technology, gaming, and computing history.
