I'm not suggesting they didn't return it, but that they specifically didn't hand it in. Why did they have to hunt down the owner? There's no reason they had to maintain possession.
> Finder tried to locate the owner, and then contacted Apple multiple times
Give it to the police. No consumer-electronics publication required.
They take the thing apart? So they "said they would return it", but not before taking the opportunity to fully evaluate the thing they decided to keep hold of?
Also, how diligent were they as self-appointed owner-finders?:
> Finder tried to locate the owner, and then contacted Apple multiple times
Give it to the police. No consumer-electronics publication required.
Is this the device? : http://gizmodo.com/5520164/this-is-apples-next-iphone
They take the thing apart? So they "said they would return it", but not before taking the opportunity to fully evaluate the thing they decided to keep hold of?
Also, how diligent were they as self-appointed owner-finders?:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7731500/Steve-Jo...
https://www.cnet.com/uk/news/how-gizmodo-escaped-indictment-...
It's not Gizmodo's business to handle lost property, especially when they intend to gain something from the possession.