Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, faced backlash over his new wallpaper app, Panels, due to its high subscription cost ($49.99/year) and concerns over excessive data permissions.

Brownlee acknowledged user feedback, promising to adjust ad frequency for free users and address privacy concerns, clarifying that the app’s data disclosures were broader than intended.

The app, which offers curated wallpapers and shares profits with artists, aims to improve over time, despite criticisms of its design and monetization approach.

  • dinckel
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    1543 months ago

    I feel this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but if you want unique wallpapers, consider paying an actual artist, instead of an influencer

        • @Gamoc
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          213 months ago

          So it makes sense to spend $50 a year on some pictures of those things that are already photographed?

          I’m not sure how many times the things you’re taking a picture of has been photographed matters even slightly.

        • @CoolGirl586
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          73 months ago

          So? Photography is fun. My photos don’t exist until I take them.

    • @[email protected]
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      fedilink
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      213 months ago

      Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Avoid sites like Fiver, though. Lots of AI bullshit pretending to be real art.

    • @spongebue
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      43 months ago

      I don’t think that’s going to be an unpopular opinion around here. Maybe a little tricky in the logistics of distinguishing between an artist and influencer and finding an artist who you like and can pay for a phone background, but other than that you’re not going to find many Lemmings saying “no, pay an influencer!”