[hbz]

Are you sure that's still the case?

This[1] would seem to indicate you can use a U2F device[2] as an alternative to providing a cell phone for verification.

[1] https://www.google.com/landing/2step/#tab=how-it-works

[2] http://googleonlinesecurity.blogspot.com/2014/10/strengtheni...

[probably_wrong]

My guess is that you can eventually enable that, but not at first. When I click on the "get started" button, I get "Step 1: Set up your phone", with no alternative button in sight.