The growing image-processor unpleasantness

The only solution against this craziness is not to compare components or find alternatives, but just to compare final products, if possible making video reviews. I.e. "the new lenovo/dell whatever model is unusable for video conferences, due to taking too much CPU, draining battery like crazy and making the fan make a huge noise; model XYZ on the contrary is cheaper and works much better". Machine vendors are listening to user feedback and don't like their products being shown not working, especially with laptops because users are more sensitive to annoyances than anything else with devices they bring everywhere and use all day long. And they're not going to sacrifice one percent of their userbase that will have to go to competition. Thus they will find better technical solution in next models, e.g. switch back to UVC that nobody complained about, or suggest their customers that if linux is desired, an AMD-based model is recommended instead, and intel will be left with an IP block nobody uses nor wants to pay for.

One must understand that the fault is first and foremost on those who accept to make an end-user product from unfinished components and to sell it in a state that doesn't work. Why would intel change their practice here if lenovo and dell continue to buy as many CPUs without complaining ? Any product's success always integrates a significant part of luck, and changing anything in the product or the way it's sold sometimes opens the risk of losing that luck factor. This is also why many successful products don't change by a iota for a long time (sometimes to the point of becoming ignored as outdated).