Exactly!

All that is missing is the connection to the outside world.

I see this a little like the difference between a computer without a modem and one with. At first we didn't all really get it did we? Then it hit the mass market and now we can't imagine buying a computer without some form of connection to the outside world.

I don't really see why a washing machine should be any different. This is a way of removing the premium model and just having everything internet ready if you want it to be.

Cheers

Cris