Some Xiaomi TVs have root exploits, so you can manually disinfect the OS, but it’s cumbersome to get done since you need to enter adb commands over the remote control to get there in the first place.

Easier to just use an external device and the TV as a screen only. Personally I’m using the Nvidia Shield for 5+ years now and regret nothing.

Can you install generic apks on UBports, or only precompiled .deb packages and other native Linux applications?

You can get Android phones with reasonable specs around $200. No need for the so called “flagships”.

I’m wearing my smartwatch as a wristwatch. All notifications are off, but I see the temperature, UV index, step and calorie counters, which is nice. And if I ever want to review my sleep data, pulse, sPO2 saturation and location history, I got it available just in case. And for the very rare case that my phone is charging and I want to access messages from another room, I can do that manually.

I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad idea. Too many people are still not backing up their data, and the article says “…automatically save to OneDrive or your preferred cloud destination”.

As long as they really give users full freedom to choose any cloud service, I consider that a win.