Evan Blass

From 2005–2008, Blass held several positions at AOL-owned technology site Engadget, including senior editor,{{Cite news |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/business/india/latest-news-well-known-tipster-evan-blass-aka-evleaks-13656.html |title=Well known tipster Evan Blass (aka @evleaks) announced he's retiring |date=2014-08-04 |work=India TV |accessdate=2014-11-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808013456/http://www.indiatvnews.com/business/india/latest-news-well-known-tipster-evan-blass-aka-evleaks-13656.html |archive-date=2014-08-08 }} before departing to write briefly for the now defunct technology publication Obsessable.{{Cite news |url=http://pulse2.com/2008/09/24/gadget-blog-war-heats-up-obsessablecom-taking-on-engadget-crunchgear-and-gizmodo/ |title=Gadget Blog War Heats Up; Obsessable.com Taking On Engadget, CrunchGear, and Gizmodo |last=Chowdhry |first=Amit |date=2008-09-24 |work=Pulse 2.0 |accessdate=2014-11-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220064008/http://pulse2.com/2008/09/24/gadget-blog-war-heats-up-obsessablecom-taking-on-engadget-crunchgear-and-gizmodo/ |archive-date=2014-12-20 }} From 2010–2012, Blass was managing editor of mobile technology site Pocketnow.

Blass was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, and in November 2013 was the subject of a report on The Verge documenting a controversial Walgreens policy pertaining to the dispensation of narcotic painkillers.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/22/5133204/walgreens-pain-medication-crackdown-affects-patients-who-need-them |title=A renewed war on powerful pain meds threatens to hurt patients |publisher=The Verge |date=2013-11-22 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |last=Toor |first=Amar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807074855/http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/22/5133204/walgreens-pain-medication-crackdown-affects-patients-who-need-them |archive-date=2014-08-07 }}

On November 23, 2015, Blass started writing for VentureBeat.{{cite web |last1=Brandão |first1=Mário Rui André, João Ribeiro, Rita Pinto, Marco |title=@evleaks, o "estraga-surpresas" da tecnologia |url=https://shifter.pt/2017/03/evleaks/ |website=Shifter |accessdate=28 April 2018 |language=pt-PT |date=28 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128132238/https://shifter.pt/2017/03/evleaks/ |archive-date=28 January 2018 }}

The account was started in July 2012,{{cite web |last1=Singh |first1=Jagmeet |title=The daring life of world's renowned tech leaker Evan Blass |url=http://www.ibtimes.sg/daring-life-worlds-renowned-tech-leaker-evan-blass-16601 |website=International Business Times, Singapore Edition |accessdate=28 April 2018 |language=en |date=18 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024221210/http://www.ibtimes.sg/daring-life-worlds-renowned-tech-leaker-evan-blass-16601 |archive-date=24 October 2017 }} or August 2012.{{cite web |title=Meet Evan Blass, the king of smartphone leaks |url=https://www.killerfeatures.com/evleaks-interview |website=Killer Features |accessdate=28 April 2018 |date=7 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016111930/https://www.killerfeatures.com/evleaks-interview |archive-date=16 October 2017 }}

For nearly a year, Blass maintained the @evleaks account anonymously{{cite web |last1=Patkar |first1=Mir |title=From the shadows |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/CREST/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=CREST&BaseHref=TCRM%2F2013%2F05%2F11&ViewMode=gif&PageLabel=14&EntityId=Ar01300&AppName=1-access-date=24 |website=Times of India |accessdate=28 April 2018 |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011182330/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/CREST/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=CREST&BaseHref=TCRM%2F2013%2F05%2F11&ViewMode=gif&PageLabel=14&EntityId=Ar01300&AppName=1-accessdate%3D24 |archive-date=11 October 2015 }} —while some of his colleagues knew of his identity, he purposely kept it hidden from the public at large. In June 2013, Blass fully revealed himself in an interview with Android Police,{{cite web |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/06/28/evleaks-revealed-android-polices-exclusive-interview-with-evan-blass-the-man-behind-evleaks/ |title=Evleaks Revealed: Android Police's Exclusive Interview With Evan Blass, The Man Behind @evleaks |publisher=Android Police |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Ruddock, David |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815021838/http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/06/28/evleaks-revealed-android-polices-exclusive-interview-with-evan-blass-the-man-behind-evleaks/ |archive-date=2014-08-15 }} citing the inevitability of being unmasked as the reason for his decision.

As @evleaks, Blass was responsible for posting images and information pertaining to unannounced smartphones, tablets, accessories,{{cite web |last=Whitney |first=Lance |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/razer-iphone-game-controller-leaked-online/ |title=Razer iPhone game controller leaked online |publisher=CNET |date=2014-03-13 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812204158/http://www.cnet.com/news/razer-iphone-game-controller-leaked-online/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} applications,{{cite web |url=http://www.n3rdabl3.co.uk/2014/02/apple-let-replace-screen-keyboard-ios/ |title=Is Apple About to Let You Replace your On-Screen Keyboard in iOS? |publisher=n3rdabl3 |date=2014-02-20 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Richardson, Aaron |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812223730/http://www.n3rdabl3.co.uk/2014/02/apple-let-replace-screen-keyboard-ios/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} laptops,{{cite web |url=http://androidspin.com/2014/03/02/evleaks-posts-image-samsung-chromebook-2/ |title=Evleaks Posts Image of the Samsung Chromebook 2 |publisher=AndroidSPIN |date=2014-03-02 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Pena, David |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812213255/http://androidspin.com/2014/03/02/evleaks-posts-image-samsung-chromebook-2/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} and a webOS-powered TV,{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2428918,00.asp |title=Photo of LG WebOS TV Leaks Ahead of CES |publisher=PCMag |date=2014-01-02 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |last=Mlot |first=Stephanie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205337/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2428918,00.asp |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} collectively leaked from nearly every mobile device maker and US wireless carrier, often weeks or even months before their launches. He was particularly adept at obtaining information and pictures about Taiwanese manufacturer HTC Corporation and one-time Finnish handset maker Nokia, reporting on numerous devices those two companies planned during his two-year stint of activity. Additionally, he leaked materials about the Moto X (1st generation),{{cite web |url=http://theunlockr.com/2013/07/20/motorola-moto-x-first-press-shots/ |title=Motorola Moto X: First Press Shots |publisher=TheUnlockr |date=2013-07-20 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=@evleaks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812230228/http://theunlockr.com/2013/07/20/motorola-moto-x-first-press-shots/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} Moto E (1st generation),{{cite web |url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/05/12/white-moto-e-leaks/ |title=White Moto E Leaks Ahead of Tomorrow's Announcement |publisher=TechnoBuffalo |date=2014-05-12 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Kleinman, Jacob |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717192444/http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/05/12/white-moto-e-leaks/ |archive-date=2014-07-17 }} Droid Ultra,{{cite web |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/07/08/evleaks-reveals-the-droid-ultra-in-full-press-shot-glory-and-yes-there-is-a-lot-of-carbon-fiber-and-a-new-kind-of-camera/ |title=Evleaks Reveals The DROID Ultra In Full Press Shot Glory, And Yes, There Is A Lot Of Carbon Fiber (And A New Kind Of Camera?) |publisher=Android Police |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Ruddock, David |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203020/http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/07/08/evleaks-reveals-the-droid-ultra-in-full-press-shot-glory-and-yes-there-is-a-lot-of-carbon-fiber-and-a-new-kind-of-camera/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} Droid Maxx,{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/6/4498300/motorola-droid-maxx-for-verizon-pictured-in-leaked-image |title=Motorola Droid Maxx for Verizon pictured in leaked image |publisher=The Verge |date=2013-07-06 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |last=Seifert |first=Dan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205442/http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/6/4498300/motorola-droid-maxx-for-verizon-pictured-in-leaked-image |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} and Droid Mini{{cite web |url=http://bgr.com/2013/07/10/droid-mini-photo-leak/ |title=Droid mini photo reveals Motorola’s new smartphones |publisher=BGR |date=2013-07-10 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Graziano, Dan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812223709/http://bgr.com/2013/07/10/droid-mini-photo-leak/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} from Motorola; the Nexus 4,{{cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/lg-nexus-4-press-photo-evleaks-showing-nexus-branding-google-now-google-maps-card-125536/ |title=LG Nexus 4 press photo (ev)leaks, showing Nexus branding and Google Now with Google Maps card [Update] |publisher=Android Authority |date=2012-10-24 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Smith, Chris |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812212957/http://www.androidauthority.com/lg-nexus-4-press-photo-evleaks-showing-nexus-branding-google-now-google-maps-card-125536/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} Nexus 5,{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/27/5034992/google-nexus-5-smartphone-white-color-leak |title=Google's white Nexus 5 appears in leaked images |publisher=The Verge |date=2013-10-27 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802060927/http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/27/5034992/google-nexus-5-smartphone-white-color-leak |archive-date=2014-08-02 }} G2,{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/is-this-mystery-lg-device-the-nexus-5-or-optimus-g2--1149365 |title=Is this mystery LG device the Nexus 5 or Optimus G2? |publisher=TechRadar |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Smith, Chris |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205449/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/is-this-mystery-lg-device-the-nexus-5-or-optimus-g2--1149365 |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} and G3{{cite web |url=http://pocketnow.com/2014/07/05/lg-g3-versions-leaked |title=Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile LG G3 versions leaked |publisher=Pocketnow |date=2014-07-05 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Nagy, Anton |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210318/http://pocketnow.com/2014/07/05/lg-g3-versions-leaked |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} from LG; the Xperia Z,{{cite web |url=http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/01/01/sony-xperia-z-first-press-shot-for-the-full-hd-flagship/ |title=Sony Xperia Z: first press shot for the full HD flagship |publisher=Unwired View |date=2013-01-01 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=@evleaks |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812213829/http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/01/01/sony-xperia-z-first-press-shot-for-the-full-hd-flagship/ |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} Z1S,{{cite web |url=http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1s_press_image_leaks-news-7012.php |title=Sony Xperia Z1S press image leaks |publisher=GSMArena |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Staff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205425/http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1s_press_image_leaks-news-7012.php |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} Z2 tablet,{{cite web |url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/tablets/news/sony-xperia-tablet-z2-spotted-in-purported-press-renders-484934 |title=Sony Xperia Tablet Z2 spotted in purported press renders |publisher=NDTV |date=2014-02-18 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Swamy, Rohan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203553/http://gadgets.ndtv.com/tablets/news/sony-xperia-tablet-z2-spotted-in-purported-press-renders-484934 |archive-date=2014-08-12 }} and Z3 from Sony;{{cite web |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2356876/sony-xperia-z3-leak-reveals-near-identical-specs-to-the-xperia-z2 |title=Sony Xperia Z3 leak reveals near identical specs to the Xperia Z2 |publisher=The Inquirer |date=2014-07-23 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Page, Carly |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729134737/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2356876/sony-xperia-z3-leak-reveals-near-identical-specs-to-the-xperia-z2 |archive-date=2014-07-29 }} and the first two Padfones{{cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2011/05/29/asus-padfone-tablet-hides-smartphone-inside-pics/ |title=Asus PadFone Tablet Hides Smartphone Inside |publisher=Mashable |date=2011-05-29 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=White, Charlie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707142027/http://mashable.com/2011/05/29/asus-padfone-tablet-hides-smartphone-inside-pics/ |archive-date=2014-07-07 }}{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/asus-padfone-2-images-leak-ahead-october-16th-033151566.html |title=ASUS Padfone 2 images leak out ahead of October 16th announcement |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=2012-10-15 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |last=Wong |first=Raymond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129023331/http://news.yahoo.com/asus-padfone-2-images-leak-ahead-october-16th-033151566.html |archive-date=2014-11-29 }} and Padfone mini{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/12/07/asus-padfone-mini-4-3-leaked/ |title=ASUS PadFone Mini 4.3 pictured ahead of its launch next week |publisher=Engadget |accessdate=2014-08-10 |last=Lawler |first=Richard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810190419/http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/07/asus-padfone-mini-4-3-leaked/ |archive-date=2014-08-10 }} from Asus.

From May 2014 until his retirement, Blass attempted to monetize his leaks by publishing them on his own website, [https://web.archive.org/web/20141005234956/http://evleaks.at/ evleaks.at], deriving revenue through advertising sales.{{Cite news |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/evleaks.tipster.evan.blass.leaks.his.own.retirement.on.twitter/39353.htm |title=Evan Blass aka @evleaks, leaks his own retirement on Twitter |date=2014-08-07 |work=Christian Today |accessdate=2014-11-19}}{{cite web |url=http://evleaks.at/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829135802/http://evleaks.at/ |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |title=Evleaks - Tomorrow's news, yesterday |date=2014-08-30 |accessdate=2014-11-19 |website=Internet Archive |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/evleaks.at |title=evleaks.at Site Overview |date=2014-11-19 |accessdate=2014-11-19 |website=Alexa.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215083618/http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/evleaks.at |archive-date=2015-02-15 }} Immediately following his retirement announcement, however, Blass conducted an interview with The Next Web{{cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2014/08/03/evan-blass-explains-evleaks-twitter-account-will-stop-reporting-phone-scoops/ |title=Why @Evleaks is Giving Up Reporting Phone Scoops |publisher=The Next Web |date=2014-08-03 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Russell, Jon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808170927/http://thenextweb.com/insider/2014/08/03/evan-blass-explains-evleaks-twitter-account-will-stop-reporting-phone-scoops/ |archive-date=2014-08-08 }} in which he recounted the problems he faced in trying to monetize a stream of Twitter leaks. Dozens of publications covered Blass's retirement,{{cite web |url=http://www.techmeme.com/140803/p9#a140803p9 |title=Evan Blass explains why he's leaving tech news and retiring @evleaks, a source of phone scoops (Jon Russell/The Next Web) |publisher=Techmeme |accessdate=2014-08-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806175041/http://www.techmeme.com/140803/p9#a140803p9 |archive-date=2014-08-06 }} most notably the weekly BBC technology show Click{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28885434 |title=Evan Blass: 'My leaks give phones a buzz' |publisher=BBC |accessdate=27 August 2014 |author=Kwek, Nick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827171940/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28885434 |archive-date=27 August 2014 }} and an accompanying BBC Online feature.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28882046 |title=Evan Blass: King of the leakers |publisher=BBC |accessdate=23 August 2014 |author=Kelion, Leo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823175920/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28882046 |archive-date=23 August 2014 }}

Following his self-professed retirement, Blass has continued to leak phones, including the Moto X (2014){{Cite news |url=http://www.greenbot.com/article/2597569/behold-evleaks-retirement-gift-a-crystal-clear-moto-x1-leak.html |title=Behold @evleaks' 'retirement gift': A crystal clear Moto X+1 leak |last=Walter |first=Derek |date=2014-08-22 |work=Greenbot |accessdate=2014-11-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030000/http://www.greenbot.com/article/2597569/behold-evleaks-retirement-gift-a-crystal-clear-moto-x1-leak.html |archive-date=2014-11-29 }} (at the time assumed to be called the "Moto X+1"), Nexus 6,{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Google-all-set-to-launch-Nexus-6-Nexus-9-Report/articleshow/44826962.cms |title=Google all set to launch Nexus 6, Nexus 9: Report |last=Mohan |first=Komal |date=2014-10-15 |work=Times of India |accessdate=2014-11-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018035635/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Google-all-set-to-launch-Nexus-6-Nexus-9-Report/articleshow/44826962.cms |archive-date=2014-10-18 }} and Droid Turbo,{{Cite news |url=http://bgr.com/2014/10/20/droid-turbo-release-date-approaching-photo-leak/ |title=This is the new Droid Turbo, and it looks amazing |last=Epstein |first=Zach |date=2014-10-20 |work=BGR |accessdate=2014-11-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125010341/http://bgr.com/2014/10/20/droid-turbo-release-date-approaching-photo-leak/ |archive-date=2014-11-25 }} all from Motorola.{{Cite news |url=http://www.knowyourmobile.com/mobile-phones/google-nexus-6/22857/unlikely-resurgence-motorola |title=The Unlikely Resurgence of Motorola |last=Blass |first=Evan |date=2014-11-17 |work=Know Your Mobile |accessdate=2014-11-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119183221/http://www.knowyourmobile.com/mobile-phones/google-nexus-6/22857/unlikely-resurgence-motorola |archive-date=2014-11-19 }} He later also leaked the LG G Pad X, Microsoft Lumia 735{{Cite news |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Meet-the-LG-G-Pad-X-and-Microsoft-Lumia-735-both-for-Verizon_id69239 |title=PhoneArena |last=T. |first=Florin |date=2015-05-13 |work=Meet the LG G Pad X and Microsoft Lumia 735 (both for Verizon) |access-date=2015-05-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515233052/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Meet-the-LG-G-Pad-X-and-Microsoft-Lumia-735-both-for-Verizon_id69239 |archive-date=2015-05-15 }} and Samsung Galaxy S6 Active.{{Cite news |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Active-renders-show-the-phones-camouflage-versions_id69241 |title=PhoneArena |last=T. |first=Florin |date=2015-05-13 |work=New Samsung Galaxy S6 Active renders show the phone's camouflage versions |access-date=2015-05-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515234502/http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Active-renders-show-the-phones-camouflage-versions_id69241 |archive-date=2015-05-15 }}

Wired magazine included Blass in its 2013 "101 Signals" list of "the best reporters, writers, and thinkers on the Internet."{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/08/101signals-consumertech/ |title=101 Signals: You Only Need to Listen to 16 People to Know What’s Up in the Tech World | Gadget Lab |publisher=WIRED |date=2013-08-15 |accessdate=2014-08-10 |author=Staff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820153131/http://www.wired.com/2013/08/101signals-consumertech/ |archive-date=2014-08-20 }} The Times of India profiled Blass (as @evleaks) in its May 11, 2013 edition.{{cite web |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=CREST&BaseHref=TCRM%2F2013%2F05%2F11&ViewMode=GIF&PageLabel=14&EntityId=Ar01300&AppName=1 |title=From the Shadows |publisher=Times of India |date=2013-05-11 |access-date=2014-08-10 |author=Patkar, Mihir |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021920/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=CREST&BaseHref=TCRM%2F2013%2F05%2F11&ViewMode=GIF&PageLabel=14&EntityId=Ar01300&AppName=1 |archive-date=2014-11-29 }}

In early 2016, Blass continued to leak accurate details of then-unreleased flagship smartphones Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, LG G5, HTC 10 and Huawei P9 through tweets and VentureBeat articles. He continued to leak throughout the rest of the year, 2017 and 2018.

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Category:1978 births

Category:Living people