Every brand of smartphone has this secondary firmware, entirely separate from the primary OS. Without it, you can't connect to the cellular network.
Well, they don't even need a separate coprocessor. They could just swap out the registers of the main CPU, and use the full power of that CPU. Basically, it would work like context-switching works in a multithreading environment.
It is pretty expensive for the amount of performance you get, but you are getting a fully documented, auditable and free product. It comes with instructions on how to update/build/flash/modify your firmware. You're also supporting the Libreboot project.
Have you had the chance of using it?
The model I got has 8gb ram, 240gb SSD, 1tb HDD, Core2Duo processor, and is upgradeable to a Core2Quad.
However, I'm strongly considering just keeping it as a backup. To me it represents the best possible backup computer, durable and auditable.
It's backup for when my current computer breaks down, but also for when new sinister surveillance and encryption laws are passed. Or for when the web turns into even more of a wild-west with hackers and nation-states doing whatever they feel like.
I kinda feel like it was a bad idea to even discuss my ordering of this on a non-throwaway, from an IP vaguely linked to me.
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That went kinda dark. Guess I haven't been taking enough Soma.
Problem is the project is mostly dead. Nothing in from the last four years is supported, and its stuck on Android 4.2.