Why do smart phones have to be shoe horned into everything now?

[MobileDecay]

I don't see any reason as to why a smart phone app is required to set up this headset. I have that taken care of and I love the headset but it seems like people just require smart phones to use everything even if there is no reason for it. Why can't I just put the headset on and set it up through vr menus and maybe have the smart phone set up as an option? I don't mind a companion app. It's very convenient. However it shouldn't be a requirement. Especially for a headset that advertises as not needing a smart phone to use. Also at least have it on the box in big enough letters that grandma can actually see it. Not tiny fine print that no one would even notice. Not everyone could even read that. I personally feel fine print should be required to be big enough so everyone with vision can see it by law. Anyways now that i'm done whining and moaning about the only thing I hate about the headset this thing is awesome!!!!

[CrashFu]

I mean, it's pretty much inconceivable that a person would own a technology as cutting-edge as a VR headset (even the incredibly affordable Go) but not own any kind of smartphone, so.. why not?  It makes setup and account / library management easy.

[MobileDecay]

CrashFu said:

I mean, it's pretty much inconceivable that a person would own a technology as cutting-edge as a VR headset (even the incredibly affordable Go) but not own any kind of smartphone, so.. why not?  It makes setup and account / library management easy.

The question is what is the point of shoe horning unnecessary smart phone necessity into the setup process. No not everyone has a smart phone. On top of that the headset won't even connect to my controller anymore so this headset lasted me all of three hrs. If I could pair a controller in the settings that would be nice. I have a toilet. Should my toilet be a requirement to use the headset too?

[WreckLuse68]

I personally have a ton of hi-tech equipment and gadgetry but because I don't often venture outside very often I have never felt the need for a smart-phone...not when I get a free landline with my internet...and yet I stumble upon this problem all the time...some things I want to buy or a service I would like simply refuse to entertain me because I don't have a mobile number and just refuse to accept a landline number.
I'm guessing that it's the same problem as having to register an email address or have an 'account' to buy anything these days even if you use paypal or suchlike...it's like giving them your permission to either spam you or track your spending/browsing habits and even your location etc...just like all those little apps on those damn smartphones.
Information is power eh?

[merv60]

CrashFu said:

I mean, it's pretty much inconceivable that a person would own a technology as cutting-edge as a VR headset (even the incredibly affordable Go) but not own any kind of smartphone, so.. why not?  It makes setup and account / library management easy.

   @CrashFu It's not that inconceivable. I'm hoping to buy OG soon but I don't have a fancy new smartphone, or even a shabby old one. I'm going to have to borrow a smartphone from someone I know to do the start-up. I have to say, I was quite taken aback when I saw a few days ago that a smartphone was needed, as I'd read a lot about the OG as research & not once was this bit of info mentioned. 

[LZoltowski]

If I was a new user and had to sign up using the onscreen keyboard I would have hung myself halfway through. Not including my 14 character wifi password. It took literally 1 minute to set it all up. This is all about perceived simplicity. Most people these days are familiar with pairing, .. be it a smartwatch, Alexa etc

I like the fact that I can check battery charge, browse apps etc while away from the headset.

Although perhaps an update could provide a non-smartphone setup in the future for those willing to sit through the torture of filling in all the info one character at a time

[MobileDecay]

LZoltowski said:

If I was a new user and had to sign up using the onscreen keyboard I would have hung myself halfway through. Not including my 14 character wifi password. It took literally 1 minute to set it all up. This is all about perceived simplicity. Most people these days are familiar with pairing, .. be it a smartwatch, Alexa etc

I like the fact that I can check battery charge, browse apps etc while away from the headset.

Although perhaps an update could provide a non-smartphone setup in the future for those willing to sit through the torture of filling in all the info one character at a time

That's why I mentioned having the app as an option. Like android tv letting you set it up with your phone as an option but not leaving people without smart devices out.

[falken76]

CrashFu said:

I mean, it's pretty much inconceivable that a person would own a technology as cutting-edge as a VR headset (even the incredibly affordable Go) but not own any kind of smartphone, so.. why not?  It makes setup and account / library management easy.

They should put in huge letters that a smart phone is required for setup on the box if it is a requirement.  I think that would be much more reasonable than just expecting that 100% of your customer base will have a smart phone simply because their interest in VR dictates that they by default then must own a smart phone.

I'm also positive it's in tiny print because it may deter the few that may not own a smart phone from making the purchase.

[falken76]

LZoltowski said:

If I was a new user and had to sign up using the onscreen keyboard I would have hung myself halfway through. Not including my 14 character wifi password. It took literally 1 minute to set it all up. This is all about perceived simplicity. Most people these days are familiar with pairing, .. be it a smartwatch, Alexa etc

I like the fact that I can check battery charge, browse apps etc while away from the headset.

Although perhaps an update could provide a non-smartphone setup in the future for those willing to sit through the torture of filling in all the info one character at a time

There should be options.  I'd prefer an option to connect it to a computer to do the setup so I could use a keyboard.  There shouldn't only be an option for smart phone.

[Pixelfox]

I'll suggest one possible explanation that also goes to the fact that people have been upset that the app needs location data at registration time.

For regulatory compliance, the Go probably might need to know what country it's in before it activates its WiFi in order to stay within local channel and power limits. So the phone determines this and sends it to the Go via Bluetooth in order to meet international regulations in all countries.