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It's not secret, it's updateable, and doesn't need to be running constantly, and doesn't need to be proprietary.

It's possible to just not load the modem firmware and have Pinephone as a device with two ARM SoCs both running mainline Linux and open bootloader. ;)

You'll just not be able to use EG25-G as a modem with modem FW not loaded. There are also options in between.

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It's a stretch to call it unneeded, being able to communicate over the cellular network is pretty much the definition of what a mobile phone is, if you remove that it stops being a phone. In that sense running the phone with any system is optional too since you can always use it to weigh down some papers on your desk ...

So? Apple made such a thing into a product years ago. It was called iPod Touch.

Pinephone may have a phone in name, but it's basically a neat little SBC with an integrated touchscreen and battery, and bunch of other peripherals, and can be used for anything you like.

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