This could be a blessing in disguise… My main purpose would be to avoid Apple-style “client side scanning” which, in the hands of vertically-integrated Google hardware and software, amounts to exposing yourself to constant and on-demand warrantless searches.

Since there is no transparency into the hardware backdoors, the internal workings of the close sourced Google ROM, or the business agreement to cooperate with LE / intelligence agencies, bare minimum is to run an alternative OS that complicates their efforts to undermine user privacy. Hobbled AI features on the chip itself might actually be another safeguard, depending on how it is implemented.

Kind of good if it means drop in price. Didn’t need the AI features anyway. But an older modem? That’s not so nice.

I’m gonna wait for the pixel 5000!

Surprised they’re even thinking that far ahead!