Marques Brownlee responds to backlash over launch of his Panels wallpaper app

As a long-time follower of Marques ‘MKBHD’ Brownlee, I have always admired his dedication to technology and his knack for making complex topics accessible to the masses. His latest venture into the world of mobile wallpapers, Panels, initially piqued my interest due to its association with him, but upon closer inspection, it seems that not everything is as it appears.


Tech influencer Marques ‘MKBHD’ Browne has addressed criticism that arose post the release of his new app, Panels.

On September 23, Brownlee announced he is launching a new app for mobile wallpapers called Panels.

The application named Panels, which is ad-funded, offers users immediate access to numerous free background images upon installation. However, it’s important to note that the resolution is typically standard, usually 1080p, and before you can download more content, you’ll need to watch two ads first.

Brownlee expressed his excitement, saying, “I can’t wait to unveil this new app! For a long time, folks have been asking me about where I find everlasting wallpapers. Now, the solution is here – it’s called PANELS!

Here it goes! I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce this new app! Many of you have wondered where I find endless wallpapers, well, wonder no more! Introducing…PANELS! @panels_art – your one-stop solution for all your wallpaper needs. Now available on both iOS and Android devices.

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 23, 2024

If you’re interested in unlocking the app’s high-tier collections, you have two options: You can purchase each individually for approximately $8 apiece, or opt for our Panels+ subscription. Currently, we’re offering a 65% discount, reducing the yearly fee to just $49.99.

Critics have called out the high cost of the app, labeling the tech YouTuber a ‘grifter’.

Frankly speaking, the user expressed some disappointment towards Marques, citing various points such as the app’s ability to track one’s location and its premium subscription model costing $50 per year. The user found it hard to accept that people are required to pay or view ads just to download ‘Orange’, stating it as ‘unreasonable’.

“Forgive me MKBHD I was unfamiliar with your grift,” a second person responded.

Another said: “Hard to understand someone spending all these years building up the best reputation in tech, and then suddenly blowing it all by releasing this ad-spamming, location-tracking, $11.99 a MONTH wallpaper trash. What on earth?!”

MKBHD responds to backlash over Panels app

On September 24th, MKBHD addressed the criticisms leveled against them and clarified that they’re currently addressing various concerns brought up in the backlash by making necessary adjustments.

A key aspect of sharing your work openly is receiving swift and numerous opinions, which is quite cool – much like uploading a video to YouTube. The first action we’ll take is addressing the issue of over-disclosure of data, since it was rightly pointed out by others as a concern.

To ensure transparency, it’s important to clarify that we don’t request personal details like your location or internet browsing history. The information being shared (often captured in screenshots) is probably excessively broad and influenced by suggestions from ad networks. We are working diligently to rectify this issue as soon as possible.

Regarding the cost, your concerns are well-heard. Our goal is to provide exceptional value with our premium offering, including weekly updates beginning on Fridays. Additionally, to enhance the free experience, I will reduce the frequency of ads.

A significant aspect of working publicly involves obtaining instant feedback from a large audience, which is quite exciting, similar to uploading a video on YouTube.

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 24, 2024

Some replies noted that the Panels X account was created in 2021, and speculated that this new app was a rebrand of an existing wallpaper app. Brownlee debunked these claims, explaining they used a “salvaged username” from an inactive account on the platform.

It’s ironic, because I know where that rumor originated and it’s completely baseless. The Twitter account appears to be from 2021, as it’s a recycled username from an idle account. He clarified that the app was developed entirely from scratch.

Funny thing is, I traced the origin of that rumor and it turns out to be completely unfounded. The Twitter account appears to be from 2021 as it was created from a recycled username from an idle account. Contrary to speculation, the app was not a rebuild, but crafted entirely from scratch.

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 24, 2024

MKBHD boasts a massive following of nearly 20 million people on YouTube, making them one of the most influential and esteemed figures in the technology sector.

However, It’s not just him who encountered criticism following the release of his product in September. The YouTubers Logan Paul, KSI, and MrBeast also teamed up to introduce Lunchly, a rival to Lunchables. Soon after its launch, the product was heavily criticized on social media for its unhealthy nature by both creators and fans across the globe.

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2024-09-24 18:19