Marques Brownlee Responds to Criticism of New Wallpaper App Panels

Marques Brownlee Addresses Backlash Over New Wallpaper App, Panels

Marques Brownlee, the renowned YouTuber known as MKBHD, has found himself responding to a wave of criticism following the launch of his latest project, a wallpaper application called Panels. This backlash came after he unveiled the app during his highly anticipated iPhone 16 review, prompting discussions about both the device and the app itself.

Concerns About Pricing and Data Privacy

In a post shared on Tuesday, Brownlee acknowledged the feedback he's received regarding the app's pricing structure and the perceived **excessive data disclosures**. For those interested, Panels offers a subscription model priced at $49.99 annually or $11.99 monthly. This subscription grants users access to a curated selection of high-resolution wallpapers from various digital artists. Meanwhile, a limited selection of wallpapers is available for free, albeit in standard definition and requires users to watch two advertisements.

Brownlee's Response to Feedback

Brownlee noted, "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." Additionally, he committed to reducing the frequency of ads in the free version of the app in response to user concerns. His remarks highlight the importance of community feedback in the iterative process of product development, stating it is akin to publishing YouTube content.

Privacy Concerns Raised by Users

Beyond pricing, users have raised alarming privacy issues, noting that the app requests tracking options across other websites and apps. Brownlee commented on these revelations, indicating that the disclosures were “likely too broad”, and reassured users that the team has no intention of requesting specific data such as location or internet history. "We’d never actually ask for your location, internet history, etc.,” he clarified.

The Vision Behind Panels

Despite the initial backlash, Brownlee remains optimistic about the future of Panels. He emphasized that it was built from scratch and that he is committed to sharing profits with the featured digital artists, splitting the revenue 50/50. This marks a departure from his usual role as a reviewer, as he ventures deeper into product development, including collaborations with Ridge and Atoms.

Conclusion

Overall, Brownlee's move to develop an app has sparked insightful conversations about fair pricing, user privacy, and the value of digital content. As he continues to refine Panels based on feedback, many will be watching to see how the app evolves into something unique and valuable for its users.

For more information on Brownlee's projects and tech news, be sure to visit [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com). Stay tuned for future updates!