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List of devices requiring account for initial setup
You've just bought your shiny new gadget. As you've just unboxed it, you want to set it up. Unfortunately, you can't do anything with it as is. You have to pair it with some shady app on your smartphone and accept a lengthy EULA, just to test it. Then you have to create a new account that links your e-mail and other personal data to the device.
Often this information is hidden deep inside manual, no mentions on the product page or box. Sometimes it's not even disclosed in manual. You have to watch some random unboxing videos on YouTube, to get to know that you need to create an account to use the device.
Why not?
Why would I want to avoid such devices?
- Sometimes when you buy such a device, you can receive an open-box unit which is paired to an account of the previous owner. Unlinking it is often impossible without an access to paired account, as even the manufacturer's support refuses to do it, citing "security reasons".[1]
- You have to accept a lengthy EULA, often requiring Forced Arbitration.
The list
| Manufacturer | Model | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZVIZ | Probably all cameras | [2] | |
| DJI | Osmo Pocket 3 | Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks. | [3] |
| DJI | RS 3 Mini | Allows "5 trial uses" without activation. | [4] |
| DJI | RS 3 Pro | Allows "5 trial uses" without activation. | [5] |
Notes
Some device groups have an unified idea about account requirements, even through different manufacturers.
IP cameras
A lot of modern IP cameras do not have a traditional RTSP/HTTP video stream access, but need to be paired with an app. The smartphone app is the only means to view the camera stream. There's no sustainable way to record the stream locally. You are forced to use manufacturer's cloud storage subscription solution.
Sometimes volunteers have provided a way to circumvent this restriction, providing an alternative firmware that an advanced user can flash.[6] This is not an ideal solution, as the support is sometimes janky, and manufacturer can always block this in newer model revisions.
DJI
All DJI devices appear to need account for setup. The Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.[7] It was previously available on Play Store, but has been pulled off in 2021. DJI officially says it's due to changing "compatibility strategy".[8]
References
- ↑ https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/ezviz-c8c-camera-blocked-by-previous-owner.63418/#post-666651
- ↑ https://mfs.ezvizlife.com/H6c_QSG_EN(EU)(V1.0.0).pdf?ver=52475 page 4
- ↑ https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400009024&spaceId=34
- ↑ https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400007193&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en "Activating the Gimbal" section
- ↑ https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=03400006898&spaceId=34
- ↑ https://github.com/roleoroleo/yi-hack-Allwinner-v2
- ↑ https://drones.stackexchange.com/questions/2209/how-come-the-dji-fly-app-is-not-in-google-play-store
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20211213081844/https://twitter.com/DJISupport/status/1470305900132913152
