[georgeecollins]

I have gotten to the point where I assume everything with a CPU and a wireless connection is going to self-destruct at some point soon. When we were getting a new oven we paid extra for the lowest tech one we could find! Please no touch screens!

Example: My wife gave me a google mini that I use as a talking alarm clock. That's all: what time is it, please set an alarm. Period. Recently it told me it no longer works because I didn't install "Google Home" on my phone. Nothing changed on the device or its circumstances. Someone at Google decided to make a change that broke it.

[seoulmetro]

You're lucky that you got it working from the store. You can't actually activate most IoT devices without a phone, a mobile number and an internet connection. All of which have to be supported by that brand, not just those physical items.

[nox101]

I noticed this with Nanoleaf Essential Smart LED bulbs, the ones sold by Apple. They come out of the box, requiring to you install the app and register an account before they will start going full brightness. They'll only go like 25% bright until you've installed the app. These are the bulbs Apple sells. So much for caring about privacy. If Apple cared, they wouldn't be carrying a brand that requires you to give up your privacy.