I mean ask (or more: convince) your boss for permission to make the code publicly available.

Ask your boss.

Check out Armcord. It’s a 3rd party client with many customization choices (mainly due to the fact that it bundles Vencord and Shelter client mods).

Which TED talk are you talking about? Can you post a link?

I use ListenBrainz for a libre alternative.

For me, it’s the lack of a replaceable battery and the lack of an SD card slot. Otherwise, it would be a perfect phone to tinker with software-wise with all the custom ROMs that are available for Pixels.