the Motorola MotoSync+ app is required to set up all new compatible
WiFi routers released by Motorola
Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
31–40 of 153 posts
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#32And this is why "mandatory app to configure" is an instant dealbreaker for me for any piece of hardware. Don't buy crap like this. Force companies to be better.
> And this is why "mandatory app to configure" is a dealbreaker
More and more IP cameras can't be set up without a phone app. TP-Link's Tapo line is really bad about it. Even some Reolink cameras can't be setup on their own.
Now that high quality, affordable brands like Dahua got banned (w/o evidence), there's less pressure on the survivors to not be awful.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#33Without minimizing the impact, we should not blow it out of proportion, either. It sounds like every existing installed device continues to work. "Bricked" is used too expansively here.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#34Earlier quoted context omitted.
Regular consumers increasingly use apps to do stuff instead of web browsers. They seem to prefer it this way. And at least for connected devices at home, a dedicated app can have lower friction for initial setup for the "I'm not a computer person" crowd than other alternatives do. (I know, I know. It's terrible. It even feels something like betrayal sometimes. But that's how it be, anyway -- and you and I are powerle…
They seem to prefer it this way. Strong doubt. What's lower friction, "visit this address in your browser and login to start configuring" vs. "go download this app, open it, possibly log in and register an account, add 'your' device, and only then start to configure it"? Let's also not forget the possible chicken-and-egg situation of needing the Internet to download an app to setup your new router to access the Inter…
Cloud command and control is obviously a better user experience, and it is much more secure.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#35Earlier quoted context omitted.
Regular consumers increasingly use apps to do stuff instead of web browsers. They seem to prefer it this way. And at least for connected devices at home, a dedicated app can have lower friction for initial setup for the "I'm not a computer person" crowd than other alternatives do. (I know, I know. It's terrible. It even feels something like betrayal sometimes. But that's how it be, anyway -- and you and I are powerle…
> And at least for connected devices at home, a dedicated app can have lower friction for initial setup for the "I'm not a computer person" crowd than other alternatives do. For a router ? This is the device that you will often not have internet access with which to download an app until after it's configured. Many people have wired internet specifically because they live somewhere with poor cellular reception. Meanw…
Yep. For a router.
I didn't say that I thought it was right, or fair, or just. I didn't say I liked it, or that I agree with it.
In fact, I think it's a pretty ugly state of affairs when a person in an area of poor connectivity needs to climb the hill/go into town/otherwise make plans before they can get their shiny new router to work.
I can accept that things are the way they are, or I can pretend that they're different.
Acceptance seems to be a lot more honest.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#36And this is why "mandatory app to configure" is an instant dealbreaker for me for any piece of hardware. Don't buy crap like this. Force companies to be better.
If it's a "router" and you can't install a OpenWRT on it, then it's an absolute no-brainer to not to buy it.
I'd suggest buying the OpenWRT One. I've bought a bunch, and I think it's terrific.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#37And this is why "mandatory app to configure" is an instant dealbreaker for me for any piece of hardware. Don't buy crap like this. Force companies to be better.
> And this is why "mandatory app to configure" is a dealbreaker More and more IP cameras can't be set up without a phone app. TP-Link's Tapo line is really bad about it. Even some Reolink cameras can't be setup on their own. Now that high quality, affordable brands like Dahua got banned (w/o evidence), there's less pressure on the survivors to not be awful.
Reolink has always been like that, but at least they aren't a random no-name brand that could disappear at any minute.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#38Earlier quoted context omitted.
> And this is why "mandatory app to configure" is a dealbreaker More and more IP cameras can't be set up without a phone app. TP-Link's Tapo line is really bad about it. Even some Reolink cameras can't be setup on their own. Now that high quality, affordable brands like Dahua got banned (w/o evidence), there's less pressure on the survivors to not be awful.
Reolink has always been like that, but at least they aren't a random no-name brand that could disappear at any minute.
I probably should have clarified I'm fine with PC apps for setup but abhor phone apps. I keep junk phones around for when I have no other choice.
I just installed 10 Reolinks and I had to set up a phone app for two of them that didn't have an Ethernet connector. Ick.
I have one Tapo and ran their app from an android emulator. I won't buy another.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#39Earlier quoted context omitted.
If it's a "router" and you can't install a OpenWRT on it, then it's an absolute no-brainer to not to buy it.
I'd suggest buying the OpenWRT One. I've bought a bunch, and I think it's terrific.
I think the cost is good too? Decent amount of ports, kinda like a boxless mikrotik.
I've considered it, if I can get fiber here I will definitely get one for my segment, and maybe my resell segment too.
Re: Motorola effectively bricked its entire line of WiFi routers without explanation
#40Probably AI.