Tech influencer Marques Brownlee, known to millions as MKBHD, recently launched his new wallpaper app, Panels, on Android and iOS. However, the app has faced immediate criticism, with users raising concerns about its pricing, ad frequency, and data privacy practices.
Panels offers a free version with limited, low-resolution wallpapers and frequent ads. A premium subscription, priced at $49.99 per year or $11.99 per month, removes ads and provides access to high-resolution downloads. Many users find this pricing excessive, especially considering the abundance of free wallpaper options available.
Brownlee has responded to the feedback, acknowledging the criticism and promising changes. He aims to improve the value proposition of the premium version and reduce ad frequency for free users. He also confirmed “Weekly Friday drops” of free high-quality wallpapers for everyone.
Privacy concerns arose due to the app’s extensive data collection, including location data, usage data, and identifiers. Brownlee admitted the data disclosures were “likely too broad” and is working on a fix.
Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope. Almost exactly like publishing a YouTube video
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 24, 2024
First thing we're doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we'd never actually ask for…
Despite the mixed reception, Panels has gained significant attention, ranking high on the App Store’s trending charts.While the app’s success remains to be seen, the initial backlash highlights the importance of balancing monetization with user experience and privacy considerations in the app development world.
