Marques Brownlee, popularly known as MKBHD, is a renowned tech-focused content creator on YouTube with a massive following of nearly 20 million subscribers. He is highly regarded for his honest and in-depth reviews of the latest gadgets and technology. While Brownlee has gained fame for his critical assessments of products like the Humane AI Pin and the Rabbit R1, he has also garnered praise for his positive reviews of devices like the Apple Vision Pro and OnePlus 12.
However, Brownlee recently released a new app called Panels, which marked his venture into the world of app development. Unfortunately, the app has received a poor reception from both users and critics. Even Jesse Lyu, the CEO of Rabbit R1, took the opportunity to mock Brownlee by sharing a meme on social media. The meme portrayed Brownlee as a grim reaper, symbolizing how some perceive him as a “startup killer” due to his candid reviews. The meme also included Imran Chaudhri, co-founder of Humane AI Pin, and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, as victims of Brownlee’s sharp critiques. Notably, Brownlee himself was portrayed as a victim, suggesting that his own app should face his brutal assessments.
The negative feedback for Panels is not limited to Jesse Lyu’s meme. The app, which was introduced in Brownlee’s iPhone 16 review video, aims to provide curated collections of high-resolution wallpapers from various artists. However, the replies to Brownlee’s announcement on social media did not match his enthusiasm. Users expressed disappointment with the app’s lack of polish and original design, and some even accused it of being a cash grab. The app reportedly contains numerous ads and offers mediocre wallpapers. Users also pointed out that the app asks for permission to track their activity, including location, which raised privacy concerns. Furthermore, Panels requires users to subscribe to either a $49.99 annual membership or an $11.99 monthly membership. While a few wallpapers are available for free, they are only in standard definition and can only be accessed after watching two advertisements.
The criticism of Panels has prompted a response from Brownlee. In a tweet, he acknowledged the feedback and assured users that their concerns would be addressed. In response to privacy concerns, Brownlee explained that the app does not actually request access to users’ location or internet history. He admitted that the data disclosures were likely too broad, influenced by recommendations from the app’s ad networks. Brownlee promised to rectify this issue and ensure more transparency. Regarding pricing, he acknowledged the need to deliver value for the premium version of the app and assured users that ad frequency would be reduced for the free experience. Brownlee also expressed a commitment to making further updates.
Although Panels faces uncertain prospects after its initial poor reception, there is still hope for redemption. With his dedicated following and the promise of improvements, Brownlee has the potential to turn the app’s fortunes around. It is worth noting that Panels is not Brownlee’s first entrepreneurial venture, as he has previously collaborated with companies like Atoms and Ridge for a sneaker line and accessories. As an influential tech reviewer, Brownlee has built a reputation for himself, and his ability to learn from criticism and make necessary adjustments may play a crucial role in the app’s success.
In conclusion, Marques Brownlee’s new app, Panels, has faced criticism and poor reviews from users. However, Brownlee has taken the feedback seriously and has shown a willingness to address the concerns raised. With his dedicated fanbase and commitment to improvements, there is still a chance for Panels to succeed and regain its reputation.
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