Are androids and Iphones declared as "required" for playing this game?

I have an android and use the security key on my account, so I have access to the one hour fleet pass. I will however agree completely with the OP. The one hour fleet pass should be made available to ALL players. It is simply too useful a tool to keep from players who can't or wont use it. There are other ways to create perks that don't screw over players so badly.

I can't imagine playing this game without the hourly fleet pass, I use it a lot when jumping around the galaxy with guild mates doing different things. If it was not available to me I would probably end up leaving as travel is very tedious in this game as it is for no good reason.

I'm happy to see that Bioware is aware of the problem and looking to address it.

This people.

I have an authenticator, and I have yet to buy anything from the security vendor. So, no, they are not required. It isn't like they sell important quest items (exclusively or otherwise) or min-max equipment or the like. All they sell is fluff and convenience/luxury items, which are most certainly NOT required.

Well according to Nielsen, 91% of all Americans uses mobile phones and out of that, 44% of them own smart phones. That percentage has more than doubled from 18% just a mere 2 years ago. Frankly, it would not surprise me if 80-90% of all wireless customers owns a smart phone in another 2 years from now. Can't blame BW for playing along with this rapidly accelerating trend as smart devices get even cheaper and 4G LTE networks become more widespread/stable. If a developer creates a game that runs on your older, slower PC but then released an add-on tool such as a map editor which you can't run because it is more rendering/resource intensive, can you really blame the developer? A more sensible approach would be to just bite the bullet and upgrade your machine to be more in line with the rest of the technological world.

Besides, the fleet pass itself is hardly a required part of the game. It has no special properties except for added convenience. What the fleet pass does can be achieved by using other alternatives such as the emergency fleet pass or using quick travel to get to the starport/flashpoint/orbital station shuttles. I have the mobile security app and I don't even bother with the fleet pass because it is unnecessary in my opinion.

Cant buy it here. Your post is misleading.

I have yet to buy even 1 fleet pass from the vendor, so I fail to see how its a "needed" feature.

But, I guess hyperbole and sensationalism is whats needed nowadays for your thread to stand out, so whatever. I'm surprised you didn't add the typical, "Bioware fix this or my 3000+ member guild quits now" addendum.

Speaking of security keys - does anyone know off-hand if you can link the account to both the physical dongle type (which I have been using) and the Android app version?

Clearly the Android version is easier to see in my dark gaming room when I'm starting stuff up BUT it prompts for a 7-digit code and 20-digit code that I already configured for the dongle.

The Account page just says I am already configured and gives no option for an additional device.

No one is getting "screwed over so badly." It's a convenience thing. I don't use or buy one and I have the iPhone app and never felt the need to have the 1 hour fleet pass.

Odd, I can go to the fleet as many times as I want without using any kind of pass. I can use my ship or I can use the fleet shuttle, and there really isn't a limited amount of times I can use them.

I am more than annoyed with BioWare & EA Origin at this point about the security key fob. I purchased one for not four bucks as some of you state but for €12.99 which is appox $17.50. This purchase was made via the origin website, which is where this site directed me when I wanted to get one, on 6th January.

After many email and talks with customer reps I am still without the keyfob and out of pocket... I even had to file a claim with paypal as I am not getting anywhere with Origin.

Oh I live in Ireland. Just to add and I think they should not have taken my money so damn quickly if they could not fulfill the order.

Now I love this game. I have purchased it, bought a 6 month sub that I am planning on extending, and even upgraded to digital deluxe for some extra perks in game. I would love to have my security key fob.. hell I paid for it.. But it seems that EA cannot supply one.... and I am sure I am not the only person to encounter this problem.