Any Android phone will be spied on by Google so long as Play Services are installed with elevated privileges(aka 99.9% of phones being commerically sold). At least with Pixels you don't have OEM bloatware on top of that.
For those inclined for more privacy, Pixels are one of the only phones that allow you to install de-googled Custom Roms without compromising the Android security model.
The parent comments are talking about phone operating systems not hardware. And Microsoft is failing in that front, the Surface Duo missed it's target date for the Android 11 update multiple times. It didn't receive a11 until 4 months after Android 12 released. If they can't even keep Android up to date, there's no chance of them developing a separate mobile operating system.
I also have a relatively old kindle(the voyage) replacing the battery is easier than newer models due to the lack of waterproofing. It only took me a few minutes to do, I really recommend it as batteries are cheap and my battery life woes are now gone.
- A New Model M keyboard from Unicomp. I was initially skeptical of spending >$100 on a keyboard but those doubts quickly evaporated, typing on this keyboard is true bliss.
Every keystroke has excellent auditory and tactical feedback.
- Uniball Jetstream: One of the best pens that I have used, extremely smooth and smudge resistant.
- A Kindle, renting books through Overdrive saves a physical trip to the library and makes reading books so much easier. I also downloaded the kindle app on my phone, which syncs the book position and helps ease the habit of checking social media in my down time.
Personally I find these to be my favorite purchases because they improve what I was already doing each day (typing, writing, and reading). Mundane workflows like essay writing is far more enjoyable when there is a good pen in the drafting stage, and a good keyboard to type on.
Sega lost money on every console prior to exiting the market.
Nintendo sold various consoles at a loss (Wii U).
The PlayStation 1 through 4 sold either at a loss or break even.