Ali Salman Zia
(He/Him)
Lahore, Punjab
Covers:
I cover consumer technology, smartphones, Android, Apple, Google, Samsung, AI, software, hardware, semiconductors, and emerging technology.
Tech Storyteller & Editor | Author at Android Police | Founder & Editor at AppleRadar | Previously at Wccftech | Covering Apple, Android, AI & consumer tech.
Interview
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I own one and still use it to write letters to my wife.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has made news faster and more accessible, but it has also made verification more important. Journalists have to separate genuine developments from viral claims while finding ways to compete for attention without sacrificing accuracy.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist researches, verifies, and communicates accurate information to the public through reporting, analysis, and storytelling.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One story I’m particularly proud of is a Wccftech piece about a TikTok user who tracked a donated pair of sneakers using an AirTag, only to discover they had traveled hundreds of kilometers across Europe and ended up in a thrift shop in Bosnia. The story resonated far beyond my expectations, generating almost 2 million views. It was a great example of how a simple, unusual technology story can capture a much wider audience when the human element is just as compelling as the technology.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use Google Docs, Google Search, Slack, Asana, Emaki CMS, Claude, and a range of research, analytics, and SEO tools for reporting, writing, editing, and publishing.
What's your favorite social network?
YouTube is my favorite social network because it combines entertainment, learning, and long-form content in a way that keeps me coming back.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I’ve always been curious about technology and the stories behind it. I wanted to do more than simply follow product launches—I wanted to understand why companies make certain decisions, how those decisions affect people, and then explain that in a way anyone can understand.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Learn to use AI as a tool, not a replacement for your own reporting, judgment, or voice. It can help with research and routine tasks, but journalists still need to verify information, find original angles, ask better questions, and develop a distinct perspective. The ability to think critically and tell a compelling story will matter more than ever.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitches are usually the ones that clearly went to hundreds of journalists at once. They’re vague, unrelated to my beat, and give me no reason to believe the sender has actually read my work.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Verge. Cheddar. I like its mix of technology reporting, features, and thoughtful analysis.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The biggest misconception is that covering consumer technology is just about specifications, launches, and product news. The more interesting part is understanding why those changes matter to people, how technology affects everyday life, and what companies’ decisions mean for users beyond the headline.
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