Bought a UE Boom 3 for my partner, and it demanded we download the app and connect to WiFi in order to use it.
We did not obey the machine, and now the machine obeys us. (It works fine with no app or internet, because why the hell should a Bluetooth speaker need an app or internet to work).
Unfortunately not going to be applicable to everything, but thought I’d throw this out there. If at least one person can avoid installing an unnecessary app to use something they’ve already paid for, then I’m happy.
Did you mean spyware bloatware updates from the manufacturer? The only updates that are not prescribed by law that I have seen have driven data and revenue to third parties.