Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile, has announced its plans to launch an AI-powered smartphone featuring Perplexity Assistant, a chatbot designed to simplify users' lives. The news was revealed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, with the device expected to hit the market in the second half of 2025.

The AI phone, which was first conceptualized at MWC 2024, is designed to be an "app-less" device that can be primarily controlled by voice. It promises to enable users to perform various tasks, such as booking flights and making restaurant reservations, without the need to switch between apps. The device will run on "Magenta AI," a platform that provides access to Perplexity Assistant, Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, Picsart, and a suite of AI tools.

In a press release, Deutsche Telekom board member Claudia Nemat highlighted the capabilities of the forthcoming AI phone, stating that it can book a taxi and complete shopping tasks without requiring users to switch apps. This aligns with the concept of "large action model" products, which aim to simplify users' interactions with their devices.

Notably, the AI tools, including Perplexity's AI-powered search engine, will also be available on other devices through the MeinMagenta app. This move is expected to expand the reach of Deutsche Telekom's AI offerings beyond the new AI phone. The company has announced plans to add AI features from Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, and Picsart to the MeinMagenta app this summer, making them accessible to users with other smartphones.

While Deutsche Telekom has not disclosed detailed specifications of the AI phone's hardware, images suggest a budget to midrange Android device with thick forehead and chin bezels, as well as a distinctive pink sleep/wake button. The device's design and capabilities are likely to be closely watched by industry observers and consumers alike.

The launch of Deutsche Telekom's AI phone marks a significant development in the integration of artificial intelligence into consumer devices. As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more devices and services incorporating AI capabilities to enhance user experiences. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with potential applications in various industries, from healthcare to finance.

With the AI phone set to launch in the second half of 2025, Deutsche Telekom is poised to be at the forefront of this emerging trend. As the company continues to develop its AI offerings, it will be interesting to see how users respond to these new capabilities and how they will shape the future of consumer technology.