xQc criticizes Marques Brownlee's wallpaper app thats set at $50 annual fee

xQc's criticism of Marques Brownlee’s $50-per-year wallpaper app fuels widespread online backlash and discussion.

Twitch and Kick streamer Felix "xQc" has expressed strong opinions about Marques Brownlee’s newly launched wallpaper app, Panels, which has faced backlash over its $50 annual subscription fee. Brownlee, the popular tech YouTuber, announced the app’s release on September 24, 2024, stating, "I’m so pumped to be launching this app! People have asked where I get wallpapers forever, so this is the answer." However, fans were quick to criticize the subscription model, with one X (formerly Twitter) user commenting, "I just lost a bit of respect for Marques," citing issues with excessive data tracking, poor design, and frequent ads.

During a livestream on the same day, xQc echoed similar sentiments, saying, "It’s absolute dog s**t! I don’t know what to tell you." He questioned the need for a paid wallpaper app when free alternatives are readily available, adding, "A wallpaper you like, you can literally just type it on Google."

In response to the criticism, Brownlee addressed concerns over data tracking, assuring that the "excessive data disclosures" would be fixed. He also acknowledged the backlash over the pricing, stating that delivering value for the premium version was a "personal challenge" and that the frequency of ads would be reduced in the free version. Brownlee compared the app launch to publishing a YouTube video, indicating that adjustments will be made based on user feedback.