[glabifrons]

"I want to be able to access the audio stream programmatically, which is not possible on 99% of android phones."

The N900's OS uses PulseAudio.

Examples: I can redirect audio output to the FM transmitter and instantly have the FM radio in any pre-bluetooth car become a giant speakerphone. I have tiny applications for recording calls (intercepting the audio stream between the GSM radio and the amp), and other applications for recording from the mic directly (for verbal note-taking).