Go create a google voice account and put in that number.
Requires a "real" phone number to create one.
Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
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Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#22Can you install Linux in these machines?
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#23Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've had problems using Twilio numbers to create Google accounts. I think voice activation does work, but you need to forward the number to your own number.
It should be assumed they check the phone number provider and block twilio as a spam prevention technique.
How can they detect Twilio numbers but still let scammers robocall my phone on a daily basis via bandwidth.com's API?
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#24> Am I crazy or does this seem like an extremely cynical attempt to get more phone numbers? Nope you are not crazy at all, that's exactly what they are doing. It's the same pattern in practice of online banks that are demanding you give them an SMS capable phone, it's so that they can in the backchannel identify you through AT&T, which is really teh corporate face of the NSA (don't argue with me, 33 thomas st. nyc),…
You've only been a member for less than 12 hours, but I've already specifically enjoyed your comments in two separate threads. I hope to see more of you in comment threads! You add a lot of value.
Whats your "stack"? are you running linux and avoiding google services entirely - or using and mitigating their tracking?
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#25I removed SMS from my google account for security purposes and use push notifications on the google app. Perhaps you could try that.
Your solution is to give them your phone number first?
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#26Can you install Linux in these machines?
Yes. There’s a Chromebook-optimised distro called GalliumOS. I use it on my HP Chromebook G5 (weighs the same as a MacBook, costs £200) and it works great.
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#27Can you install Linux in these machines?
ChromeOS utilises the Linux kernel itself but without arguing semantics you can install a chroot Linux distribution with Crouton [1]. Whether that supports this specific machine (whatever it may be) I do not know.
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#28> Am I crazy or does this seem like an extremely cynical attempt to get more phone numbers? Nope you are not crazy at all, that's exactly what they are doing. It's the same pattern in practice of online banks that are demanding you give them an SMS capable phone, it's so that they can in the backchannel identify you through AT&T, which is really teh corporate face of the NSA (don't argue with me, 33 thomas st. nyc),…
This conspiracy theory makes no sense. Why on earth would your bank need identify you by phone number when you already have to give them your social security number to open the account?
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#29Can you install Linux in these machines?
You can install something like GalliumOS depending on compatibility [1], but it's not for someone who's afraid of modification as to make the boot process seamless you need to modify the BIOS. I have an Acer C720 running it, and it works well - it's a light, cheap linux machine that I can take with me wherever and not be too bothered about (because of the replacement cost), but TBH I think installing Linux because of the OP's issue is sledgehammer/nut! Lots of people like ChromeOS (my Mum has a Chromebase, and since she's had it I've needed to provide precisely zero tech support which wasn't the case for either her Mac or the PC she had to replace it), so replacing it with a niche version of Linux may not be the route to go for many.
Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook
#30Evil.
Imagine those teens at school, that bought Chromebooks because they were more affordable, and now getting pried on like this.. :-( It is this generation that is going to lose the idea of privacy and suffer from these piece of shit corporations.
It's almost like watching a movie.