American tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, popularly known as MKBHD, recently launched his wallpaper app, Panels, available on both iOS and Android. “I’m so pumped to be launching this app! People have asked where I get wallpapers forever, so this is the answer, now and forever: Panels!” announced MKBHD on X (formerly known as Twitter). While the app, as hinted in the announcement, offers stunning, high-quality digital wallpapers created by talented artists, its steep pricing – $50 per year or $12 per month – has raised eyebrows. Not just that, the free version of Panels is riddled with ads. And to make the matters worse, as per Apple’s App Store, the app could track users’ location, usage data, and personal identifiers across other apps and websites.
Fans had high hopes when the tech reviewer, blamed for tanking companies like Fisker and Humane with his scathing reviews, ventured into creating his own subscription-based wallpaper app. However, many were left disappointed and gave it one-star ratings, suggesting that while MKBHD excels at reviewing products, his attempt at building one has fallen short of expectations.
MKBHD addresses criticism
The 30-year-old has now addressed “mass feedback” that he has received from users and called it “pretty dope”: “First thing we’re doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we’d never actually ask for your location, Internet history, etc. The data disclosures (that everyone is screenshotting) is likely too broad, and largely driven by what the ad networks suggest. Working to fix that ASAP.”
He also promised to “dial back” on ads for free version. As of now, people using the free version can download lower-resolution images by watching two 30-second ads per image. “As far as pricing, I hear you! It’s our own personal challenge to work to deliver that kind of value for the premium version. (Weekly Friday drops are already starting) I’ll also be dialing back ad frequency for the free experience,” he added.
Brownlee further said, “Much more to come. I appreciate you all.”
In response to a comment accusing Brownlee of buying an app developed in 2021 and rebranding it with a new logo and price tag, he clarified that Panels was built from scratch. “What’s funny is I saw exactly how that rumor came up and it’s just false. The Twitter account is from 2021 because it’s a salvaged username from an inactive account. The app was built from scratch.”
When one social media user criticised him for introducing a “wallpaper app” to the tech market, he responded, “Dawg. The target market for this is insanely small. Most people don’t download a wallpaper app. This is for those who have been asking. If you’re not into it, don’t worry about it.”
MKBHD launched wallpaper app: What is Panels?
Panels — “designed by artists, handpicked for you” — is a wallpaper app launched by Marques Brownlee on September 24 as part of his iPhone 16 review. According to Brownlee, the app enhances screen time by offering a personalised collection of high-quality wallpapers created by talented artists. Users can choose between an ad-supported free version or opt for a subscription at $50 per year or $12 per month. The app is available on both iOS and Android.
For digital artists interested in featuring their work on Panels, they can submit their wallpapers through a Google form that the tech reviewer shared on X during the app’s launch announcement.
“These [wallpapers] are all made by artists who can choose to involve AI or not in their creation process…,” said Brownlee, adding that it depends on creators “how much they value the human touch”.
Comments
0 comment