Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, has addressed the criticism surrounding his newly launched wallpaper app, Panels, which has been widely criticized for its high subscription fee of $49.99 per year. The app allows users to access high-resolution wallpapers created by digital artists, but its pricing model and data privacy practices have sparked significant backlash online.
Who is Marques Brownlee?
Marques Brownlee is a prominent American tech YouTuber with over 20 million subscribers. Known for his detailed reviews of consumer electronics, he has a significant influence on the tech community. His opinions can sway public perception of tech products, as seen recently when his negative review impacted the reception of the Humane AI pin.
What is Panels?
Panels is a subscription-based wallpaper app launched by Brownlee. It offers high-resolution wallpapers from digital artists for a yearly subscription fee of $49.99, or a monthly plan of $11.99. Users can also access the app for free, but with limitations such as lower resolution images and the requirement to watch ads.
Why the Criticism?
The app has faced severe criticism since its launch. Key points of contention include:
- High Subscription Fee: Many have expressed surprise and frustration at the cost, questioning why anyone would pay such a high amount for wallpapers.
- Data Privacy Concerns: The app’s data tracking practices have raised alarms, with critics pointing out that it can track user location and other personal data, which some see as excessive for a wallpaper app.
- Reputation Impact: Fans were disappointed that Brownlee, known for his thoughtful insights on tech, would release a product perceived as a “cash grab” and potentially compromising user privacy.
Brownlee’s Response to the Backlash
Marques Brownlee took to social media platform X to respond to the criticisms:
- Data Privacy Issues: He acknowledged the concerns about data privacy, stating that the app’s data disclosures were “too broad” and mainly driven by ad network recommendations. He assured users that the app does not collect personal information like location or internet history. Brownlee mentioned that his team is working on fixing these issues immediately.
- Pricing Concerns: Addressing the high subscription fee, Brownlee admitted that it’s challenging to deliver value at that price point but stated that they are working to improve the premium version with weekly updates. He also promised to reduce the frequency of ads in the free version to enhance the user experience.
- Acknowledgement of a Niche Market: He recognized that the target audience for a subscription-based wallpaper app is “insanely small” but expressed his commitment to improving the app based on user feedback.
Marques Brownlee’s proactive response indicates his willingness to address user concerns and adjust the app accordingly. It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the app’s reception moving forward.
Leave a Reply