A reputed tech influencer launches an app that immediately receives warranted flak and criticism - this line summarizes the journey that Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD, has been through in the last few days. The tech influencer, who has often been touted to be the best in business, launched his new wallpaper app - Panels in his latest review of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16Pro. While it was being marketed as a niche app that has a small user base, MKBHD’s app peaked the interest of several of his long-term followers. What followed was a domino effect of valid criticism, warranted feedback and, of course, some unwanted trolling. Marques addressed all the users' concerns in a detailed video and spoke about his launched app - citing that it is still a work in progress and changes will continue to be made. Here’s everything that went through the app launch, its feedback and MKBHD’s plan to take Panels ahead. iPhone 16 Series Receives Overwhelming Response in India, iPhone Pro Models Lead the Pack.
What is MKBHD’s New App, Panels?
MKBHD showcased his new wallpaper app called Panels in one of his recent videos and revealed to fans that it is available to download for iOS and Android. The app essentially makes a plethora of unique wallpapers accessible to the users. With a yearly fee of $49.99 to access these high-resolution wallpapers, the app claims to help users to set up their phone with original art that sets them apart. The tech influencer also revealed that the app’s cost will follow a subscription model since they are planning to expand its capability.
And now - I'm so pumped to be launching this app! People have asked where I get wallpapers FOREVER, so this is the answer, now and forever: PANELS!@panels_art
Available on iOS or Android https://t.co/sl7fitBKDt pic.twitter.com/b0u9h9Py6p
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 23, 2024
Why Are People Hating on Marques Brownlee's New App?
While the concept of paying a hefty fee of $49.99/year for an app that just makes wallpapers is bizarre enough, that is not the only reason that the app is being heavily criticized. There are many people who would choose to support the artists whose wallpapers they are using for free by paying for the app. However, Panels app, in the name of offering “free wallpapers” pushed a series of ads for each download, worsening the user experience. Additionally, for a wallpaper app, Panels also asked for a lot of data, which seemed suspicious to several users.
the most influential tech reviewer on the planet shipping a barf of an app riddled with ads in 2024 is definitely a choice.
a sad one at that. chai. https://t.co/iEIhOwrqDr
— Ezra 'God' Olubi (@0x) September 24, 2024
Marques Brownlee’s Response to Criticism
Marques addressed the concerns and criticism of several people in a video as well as a detailed statement on X(Formerly Twitter). The influencer said that the data disclosures are likely because of the suggestions of their ad network. He also addressed people’s criticism of the concept of the app in itself and said, “The target market for this is insanely small. Most people don't download a wallpaper app. This is for those who have been asking. If you're not into it, don't worry about it”.
Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope. Almost exactly like publishing a YouTube video
First thing we're doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we'd never actually ask for…
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 24, 2024
However, the internet cannot stop talking about this app launch and the jokes, memes and criticism are already flooding social media sites.
Some People Are Already Cloning the App To Clown on MKBHD
lol. building a clone in a few hours to show how ridiculous MKBHD is being with the wallpaper app is great. https://t.co/bFEWotRbEc pic.twitter.com/YXvw5zGqtU
— Preston (@preston4tw) September 25, 2024
People Cannot Help but Laugh at the Irony of the Reviewer Being Reviewed
People to mkbhd pic.twitter.com/fS44N3H3dk
— Shantanu Goel (@shantanugoel) September 24, 2024
Some Are Questioning MKBHD's Judgment
Maybe MKBHD is not a good judge of product quality after all.
— Daniel Vassallo (@dvassallo) September 24, 2024
While Others Are Just Calling It Karma
Karma clapped back in the reviews pic.twitter.com/MoFjCBiN9n
— vittorio (@vittoriomta) September 24, 2024
While Marques has been on top of things and immediately and calmly responding to criticism, many are questioning the reason for the intense and extensive hate the tech influencer has been getting. This is not the first time that an influencer has launched an app that does not appeal to the majority (David Dobrik’s Dispo received similar flak online). However, the hate brigade that has joined forces to question all of Marques’ reviews because of this business choice is something that needs to be introspective. With Marques himself confirming that the app was designed for a very small and very niche crowd, the only valid criticism that stands is that the app probably needed to be tested and reviewed in a small test group before the official launch.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2024 10:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).