So many of the smart apps won't even launch without an Internet connection (i.e. connection to their cloud services), even if you just want to control local Bluetooth devices.

friend got a canon camera. you can install the canon app to use bluetooth/wifi to transfer the photos to the phone. At some point the app went from thre app allowing limited permissions to insert into camera roll, to full permissions to access all photos on the phone.

I hate that.

I recently bought a G-Shock watch, it can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, it was a selling point but may be convenient to sync the time with a quick connection.

First, the G-Shock app displayed a prompt that it won't work with animations turned off which is just baffling. I have them disabled in Android settings under accessibility options because I find them frivolous.

Then with the animations enabled the G-Shock app says that it's EOL since mid 2023, now CASIO WATCHES app is for everything.

Install CASIO WATCHES, doesn't complain about animations being disabled which is an improvement but then when I want to add a watch it says I need an account.

Two local devices connecting via Bluetooth need a goddamn online account! Uninstalled that shit immediately.

I don't regret the purchase, I like the watch and it works perfectly without any connection crap but boy is all this online nonsense annoying.