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20M Fans Turn on Tech Guru: Is $50/Year Wallpaper App a Cash Grab?
Posted By Ava Parker
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Marques Brownlee, a prominent tech content creator, has nearly 20 million subscribers on YouTube, where he is known for his thorough gadget reviews. He has criticized products like the Humane Ai Pin and the Rabbit R1 with harsh titles such as “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed” and “Barely Reviewable,” while also praising items like the Apple Vision Pro and OnePlus 12.
Recently, Brownlee launched a new wallpaper app called Panels. However, feedback on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), and reviews on the Apple App Store suggest that the app has not been well-received. Jesse Lyu, CEO of Rabbit R1, even joined in the criticism, sharing a meme that humorously portrays Brownlee as a “startup killer,” suggesting that his candid reviews can negatively impact small tech companies. The meme features Brownlee alongside other notable figures like Imran Chaudhri and Tim Cook, implying that he should also face his own critical standards with this new app.
The Panels app, introduced in Brownlee’s iPhone 16 review video, aims to provide a selection of high-resolution wallpapers from various artists. In a post on X on September 23, Brownlee expressed his excitement about the app, stating, “People have been inquiring about my wallpaper sources for ages, and now I’m delighted to provide the answer, once and for all: PANELS!” However, many users did not share his enthusiasm. Comments highlighted disappointment in the app's design and functionality, with some users calling it a mere rehash of existing apps and criticizing its ad-heavy interface.
Users expressed their dissatisfaction, with one stating, “The app is subpar, and you can find better, high-resolution wallpapers for free on X and other accounts.” Another remarked, “It’s astonishing that the #1 tech reviewer would release a cash-grab subscription app with subpar UI design.” Concerns were also raised about the app's request for user tracking permissions, including location data, although Brownlee later denied these claims.
The app requires a subscription of $49.99 per year or $11.99 per month, with only a limited selection of free wallpapers available, which are not high-resolution. Users voiced their frustration over the pricing, with one commenting, “$50/yr for WALLPAPERS?!”
In response to the backlash, Brownlee tweeted on September 24, acknowledging the criticism and stating, “I hear you!” He assured users that addressing privacy concerns is a priority and clarified that they do not collect sensitive information. He also expressed his commitment to enhancing the app's value and reducing ad frequency.
This is not Brownlee's first entrepreneurial effort; he has previously collaborated on a sneaker line and accessories. The future of the Panels app remains uncertain, but with a loyal fan base and a focus on improvements, there may still be a chance for success. For more details, visit [this link](https://t8tech.com/tech/tech-guru-marques-brownlees-new-app-slammed-20-million-fans-turn-on-him-over-cash-grab-wallpapers/).
Recently, Brownlee launched a new wallpaper app called Panels. However, feedback on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), and reviews on the Apple App Store suggest that the app has not been well-received. Jesse Lyu, CEO of Rabbit R1, even joined in the criticism, sharing a meme that humorously portrays Brownlee as a “startup killer,” suggesting that his candid reviews can negatively impact small tech companies. The meme features Brownlee alongside other notable figures like Imran Chaudhri and Tim Cook, implying that he should also face his own critical standards with this new app.
The Panels app, introduced in Brownlee’s iPhone 16 review video, aims to provide a selection of high-resolution wallpapers from various artists. In a post on X on September 23, Brownlee expressed his excitement about the app, stating, “People have been inquiring about my wallpaper sources for ages, and now I’m delighted to provide the answer, once and for all: PANELS!” However, many users did not share his enthusiasm. Comments highlighted disappointment in the app's design and functionality, with some users calling it a mere rehash of existing apps and criticizing its ad-heavy interface.
Users expressed their dissatisfaction, with one stating, “The app is subpar, and you can find better, high-resolution wallpapers for free on X and other accounts.” Another remarked, “It’s astonishing that the #1 tech reviewer would release a cash-grab subscription app with subpar UI design.” Concerns were also raised about the app's request for user tracking permissions, including location data, although Brownlee later denied these claims.
The app requires a subscription of $49.99 per year or $11.99 per month, with only a limited selection of free wallpapers available, which are not high-resolution. Users voiced their frustration over the pricing, with one commenting, “$50/yr for WALLPAPERS?!”
In response to the backlash, Brownlee tweeted on September 24, acknowledging the criticism and stating, “I hear you!” He assured users that addressing privacy concerns is a priority and clarified that they do not collect sensitive information. He also expressed his commitment to enhancing the app's value and reducing ad frequency.
This is not Brownlee's first entrepreneurial effort; he has previously collaborated on a sneaker line and accessories. The future of the Panels app remains uncertain, but with a loyal fan base and a focus on improvements, there may still be a chance for success. For more details, visit [this link](https://t8tech.com/tech/tech-guru-marques-brownlees-new-app-slammed-20-million-fans-turn-on-him-over-cash-grab-wallpapers/).
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