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Journalism of Courage
Marques Brownlee, the renowned tech YouTuber known as MKBHD, recently introduced his wallpaper app, called Panels, on both iOS and Android platforms. Sharing his excitement on X, he stated, “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!”
The app offers a wide selection of beautiful, high-quality digital wallpapers designed by skilled artists. However, the pricing–with subscriptions set at $50 per year or $12 per month–has sparked controversy.
The free version of the app comes with ads, and concerns have been raised over the app’s data-tracking practices, as the App Store listing reveals it may track users’ location, usage, and personal information across other apps and websites.
Despite the high expectations from fans, the tech reviewer, often criticised for harsh reviews that allegedly harmed companies like Fisker and Humane, has faced disappointment with his own venture. Many users, let down by the app’s performance, have given it poor ratings, mostly one-star reviews. While MKBHD is renowned for his expertise in critiquing products, his attempt at creating one seems to have missed the mark.
Many users on X are expressing their frustration with the app, criticising how it didn’t meet expectations. They’re pointing fingers at Marques, saying it’s easy to criticise but much harder to actually create something successful.
One user wrote, “I’ll be honest, I just lost a bit of respect for Marques,” and listed what he didn’t like in the app.
Another user shared a meme with Joker’s quote, “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
A third guy wrote, “that one guy in class who lectures everyone but scores 0 in exam.”
Some other posts that caught the internet’s attention:
Brownlee’s response to criticism:
Brownlee acknowledged the concerns raised by his followers, stating, “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.”
