Google Play integration

I have multiple Samsung devices. My Watch Manager and Smart Things apps are not working properly or at all without Google Play being enabled. I cannot connect to my Samsung Watch, Buds, or TV properly. 

I have been trying to remove all Google interactions and am disturbed that Samsung devices cannot talk to each other without Google Play being enabled. A strategic partnership should not interrupt how a company's own devices talk to each other. Samsung has their own store that should be able to manage their own apps' distribution and verification.

I had been considering purchasing the latest Buds; however, I will be holding off on that - particularly if they will not work without Google Play.