jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I do not like having to download an app to get a product working. I have a Samsung Galaxy phone that's several years old. In order to get my TP-Link Deco set up, I have to get the app installed on my phone - but I can't. I click on "Install," and it just cycles around but doesn't install.

Fortunately, I have a newer Moto e6 (2021), and that was able to install the app. Would someone else have to spend $1,000 for a new iPhone, or similar? Suppose you don't have a cell phone?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Unfortunately, some developers build based on the assumption that everyone has the latest and greatest technology.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I was trying to install a wireless wifi extender and went with using my computer, two different Installation sites I got somebody that could hardly speak English then they wanted access to my computer so they could do the set up I won't post my response to them but it had something to do with a Knotted rope!
So I have a wireless extender that is not paired with my modem , but it does extend my wifi in my home I just have to wait a few secs for my phone to connect to it.
My cell phone service was great out here 4 yrs ago, about 19 months ago it when to hell I complained to my provider numerous times and they finally supplied me with a signal booster it helped a little bit.
But my service out in the yard is hit and miss, I turn facing a different direction and lose my connection, My shop which is approx. 180 ft from my router and the shop is a sheet metal building so I ran a cat7 cable to the shop, works great. setup a Tp-link router in the shop for wifi, that was last summer the setup was simple almost plug and play.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Wi-Fi is weird, and even the "experts" online say that it's not straightforward. I set up my network with a router. Then I added an extender, but I had to give that network a different name. When I want to connect, the device has to decide which is the best network to use. I have three now - two downstairs and one upstairs. One of the best is a little plug-in MSRM extender. It's about 2" square, plugged in upstairs, but it's sometimes the strongest signal in the living room. That's the "MSRM network."

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Smart devices don't have a built-in display and keyboard, so some other interface is needed for initial setup & customization of settings. How else would we select a Wi-Fi connection and enter the password?

Imagine manufacturers not using the most practical interface available, something most people already own, and instead requiring you to purchase a "tuner," or proprietary device used for nothing more than to setup a smart device. You'd complain about the extra cost and wonder why they didn't just make an app.

You missed the mark on this one, Jerry.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Damn, you and your fellow countrymen sure seem to have a hard time with anything to do with TV, WiFi etc. Could it possibly have anything to do with your huge selections of service providers? Service providers that from the comments I have read here would suggest there is no in-home service provided for the services offered? I suppose there is no point comparing what you Americans have in terms of TV and WiFi services compared to us Canadians, but from where I sit it seems you Americans get the short straw when it comes to TV and WiFi services. I would not put up with the crap you go through to get your services up and operating. I would just cancel a sloppy service/no service situation and move to one of the other four service providers in my area. That is correct, only four, and they each service all of Canada and furthermore, our federal government legislates that they comply with their advertised service levels.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

We have a limited choice: One. Yes, we do get the short end of the stick compared with other countries. Cell phones are a good example. Other countries get more services for less cost. In this country, company profit is king.

Spectrum is part of Comcast, which is #2 in cable and TV, behind AT&T. Their income last year was $5.37 billion. They don't have to compete because they have no cable competition in most places. They just have to make sure that their customers keep paying.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Oh gawd Jerry, did not know that. For most of my adult life I thoght you Americans always had more of, and better than anything, that we Canadians had with the exception of space!

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

You can extend your wifi over the old cable in your home. You just need the converters on each end.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Something else to research and buy. This will go on forever - at least. 🤣