Marques Brownlee, a prominent tech content creator, has amassed nearly 20 million subscribers on YouTube, celebrated for his thorough evaluations of the newest gadgets.

He has notably criticized products like the Humane Ai Pin and the Rabbit R1, labeling them with harsh titles such as “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed” and “Barely Reviewable,” while also commending the Apple Vision Pro (despite its shortcomings), OnePlus 12, and others.

Recently, the well-respected tech reviewer launched a new wallpaper application named Panels. However, feedback on X (formerly Twitter) and the Apple App Store suggests that the app's reception has been disappointing.

Even Jesse Lyu, the CEO of Rabbit R1, appeared to enjoy the backlash Brownlee has encountered online, sharing a meme that mocks the YouTuber’s image as a “startup killer” due to his frank reviews.

The meme portrays Brownlee as the grim reaper, humorously underscoring how some view him as a threat to small gadget manufacturers with his critical assessments. (For example, after Brownlee reviewed the Humane Ai Pin, there were concerns that his harsh critiques could hinder the progress of emerging tech companies.)

The meme features Humane Ai Pin co-founder Imran Chaudhri, Lyu, and Apple CEO Tim Cook as victims of Brownlee’s sharp commentary. Interestingly, the final figure in the meme is Brownlee himself, suggesting that his new app should also face his own rigorous evaluations.

MKBHD’s Panels app faces disappointing feedback

It’s not just Lyu who has been poking fun at Brownlee. The Panels app, introduced in Brownlee’s recent iPhone 16 review video, aims to provide a curated selection of high-resolution wallpapers from various artists.

“I’m excited to share the debut of this application!” Brownlee declared in a Sept. 23 X post. “For quite some time, individuals have been asking about my wallpaper sources, and I’m pleased to finally reveal the answer: PANELS!”

Nevertheless, the reactions to Brownlee’s announcement did not reflect his enthusiasm.

“I’m genuinely disappointed by this,” Ian Zelbo remarked. “It lacks the elegance and design I would anticipate from you. It appears to be a recycled app that’s already on the App Store, merely branded with your name. The plethora of advertisements and the overall impression make it seem like a blatant attempt to profit.”

“The app is inferior, and you can discover better, high-resolution wallpapers for free on X and other profiles,” Corbin Williams commented.

“This decision harms your reputation,” Alex Kehr stated. “It’s astonishing that the leading tech reviewer, recognized for championing quality and utility, would launch a subscription app that feels like a cash grab, featuring substandard UI design, cluttered with ads, and providing mediocre wallpapers.”

“Erase this nonsense and act as if it was a joke,” bl0rq suggested.

According to the feedback, as noted by The Verge, it seems that users are dissatisfied with the iOS version of Panels requesting permission to track users’ activities. One of the data points it allegedly monitors is location. (Although, as you will read later, Brownlee disputes this assertion.)

Moreover, the app necessitates users to subscribe for a $49.99 annual fee or an $11.99 monthly membership. While some wallpapers are available for free, they are limited, and only in standard definition (not high-resolution). However, to access them, users must first view two advertisements.

“$50/year for WALLPAPERS?! And not a single high-res wallpaper available for free with ads? I appreciate team MKBHD, but that’s absurd,” Nevan remarked.

“Half of your reviews are like ‘uh it’s pricey and it doesn’t really do anything’ lol you should critique yourself,” cometcalls commented.

MKBHD addresses the feedback

In reaction to the backlash, Brownlee tweeted on Sept. 24, stating, “I hear you!”

Addressing privacy concerns, Brownlee provided the following reassurance: “Our primary focus is to address the excessive data disclosures, which have been justly criticized. For the sake of transparency, we have never sought sensitive information such as location data or internet history. The data disclosures that have circulated are likely too broad and primarily influenced by ad network recommendations.”

Concerning costs, Brownlee perceives providing value for the premium edition as a personal endeavor. He intends to lessen the occurrence of advertisements for the complimentary experience, with additional enhancements on the horizon.

This isn't Brownlee's inaugural foray into business. For example, he has partnered with Atoms on a footwear collection and with accessory manufacturer Ridge.

The outlook for Brownlee's Panels application is ambiguous, yet with a loyal audience and a dedication to advancements, there remains optimism for revival.