YouTuber Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD has fans all over the world who hang on his every word, but judging by the reviews, his newly launched Panels app may be a step too far, even for his more hardcore fans.
The YouTuber was already on the receiving end of an online roasting after the release of a brand new smartphone app called Panels.
The app is meant to provide high-quality, full-resolution ‘art pieces’ for users to set all smartphone wallpaper.
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But people are saying the app broke the 'number one rule of the internet'.
That would be - never try and charge for something that was already free.
The app works on a subscription basis, costing $11.99 per month or $49.99 a year. Alternatively, users can opt to watch through ads to get to the wallpaper they want.
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Or, as many online commentators have pointed out, they can simply use one of their own photos for free.
The punishment continued in the review section of the iOS version of the Panels app. The app has received a measly two out of five stars. Of the 2.1k ratings the app has received so far, the vast majority have been one-star reviews.
One two-star review from a user named JesseHoof could only provide a positive spin with the words: “It functions? Kinda?”
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The rest of the review was no kinder, saying: “I’ve been watching MKBHD for years now and I’m always interested to see what he’s doing.
"He dropped those Atoms shoes a while back and while they seem mediocre, they generally gave off the vibe they were at least a passionate project.
"But this app? What are we even doing here man? I still have trouble believing Marques actually wants his name on this.”
Another reviewer named Corbin Williams was even more brutally honest, writing: “I’m not totally sure why we needed a Wallpaper App in 2024 but I wanted to give it a try anyways.
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"At first it seemed legit but then I clicked on a very basic wallpaper and it wanted me to pay money or subscribe for a monthly fee. I’m sorry Marques but nobody should be paying for basic wallpapers in 2024.”
Some reviewers had a more nuanced view. One reviewer acknowledged that Brownlee was likely attempting to recoup the tens of thousands of dollars spent on development: “So I get why he's charging $50 a year for it. But I don't think that is a good value for users, who are the most important opinions to listen to. For what it offers, and comparing this to other similar apps, the price is high.”
Bownlee himself has addressed the backlash, writing on X: "Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope. Almost exactly like publishing a YouTube video.
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“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.
“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.
“Much more to come. I appreciate you all.”