Online Access Reqiured?

Hi.

Re. Smart AC control (https://www.tado.com/gb-en/smart-ac-control-specifications-overview)

I have been bitten by a couple of companies lately (Netgear and B&O), both of whom insist that I let them have access to my devices from the cloud or that I install google software on my apple devices even to do basic things!

The installation guide says step 1. Register ... why? ... and then it does not mention homekit at all! (https://www.tado.com/gb-en/installation/smart-ac-control)

I was trying to find whether tado do require such connections when I came across an article claiming that AC devices are down since they are offline. (https://community.tado.com/en-gb/discussion/comment/27708#Comment_27708)


My question is whether, as a homekit compatible device, I need to have any third party software, or connection online, or even register a product in order for the controller to work.


Thanks.