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MKBHD’s new Panels app is facing backlash over its $49.99 annual subscription and data privacy concerns

MKBHD's Panels app offers curated wallpapers, but users are questioning its $49.99 price and privacy practices.

By
Shubham Sawarkar
Shubham Sawarkar's avatar
ByShubham Sawarkar
Editor-in-Chief
I’m a tech enthusiast who loves exploring gadgets, trends, and innovations. With certifications in CISCO Routing & Switching and Windows Server Administration, I bring a sharp...
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- Editor-in-Chief
Sep 25, 2024, 3:14 AM EDT
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A mockup screenshot of Panels.art website. Its an wallpapers app by YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD. The image features three smartphones in a diagonal arrangement against a light background. The central phone is the largest and displays a lock screen with the time 9:41, a space-themed wallpaper with an astronaut. The phones on either side are slightly behind the central one and show only part of their screens with different wallpapers. Above the phones, there is text that reads ‘Designed by artists, handpicked for you,’ suggesting these are artist-designed wallpapers for phones. Below the central phone is additional text explaining that these wallpapers elevate your screen with high-quality, personalized selections created by talented artists, turning your device into a digital art gallery.
Image: Panels
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Marques Brownlee, the tech guru behind the popular YouTube channel MKBHD, has found himself embroiled in a bit of controversy following the launch of his new wallpaper app, Panels. The app, which offers a curated selection of high-quality wallpapers, has been met with a mix of excitement and criticism.

One of the biggest points of contention is the app’s pricing. For a premium subscription that allows users to download all the wallpapers in high resolution, Panels is asking for a hefty $49.99 per year (or $11.99 per month). While Brownlee has defended this price, citing the value it offers, many users feel that it’s simply too steep for a wallpaper app.

Privacy concerns have also been raised. The iOS version of Panels asks for a wide range of permissions, including tracking user activity across other apps and websites. While Brownlee has assured users that the app doesn’t actually need this level of access, many are still wary of the potential privacy implications.

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

Despite the criticisms, Brownlee remains optimistic about the future of Panels. He has promised to address the pricing and privacy concerns and has hinted at plans to expand the app’s features beyond wallpapers.


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