It's annoying, but it's not a paywall.

> All the functionality should be in the device itself, and require no sign-up or ongoing relationship with the company to use it.

For a dishwasher yes, but I don't agree with that as a blanket statement. There are cloud connected devices that I really like. e.g. I like to run my Roomba on-demand after I leave my house, and I think that's an entirely reasonable use case.

Many other devices are useful away from home as well, which would all require internet connectivity. e.g. security systems, cameras, etc.