March 3, 2025, 12:10 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Already at the MWC 2024, one could catch a glimpse of Telekom’s AI phone without apps. A year later, the company announced plans to actually launch its concept device in the second quarter of 2025. The digital assistant “Magenta AI” is intended to make everyday tasks easier for users–but apparently, the device can’t do entirely without apps. TECHBOOK and our colleagues from Computer Bild are live on site.
Telekom’s AI Phone as a Virtual Butler
Visually, the AI phone resembles a classic mid-range Android model: a large touchscreen with a relatively wide frame. The real innovation lies in the control–instead of using apps, Telekom customers can perform many functions via AI-based voice control. A double tap on the power button or an icon on the lock screen activates the assistant.
The digital helper can take on various tasks, such as ordering a taxi, reserving a table at a restaurant, or translating conversations in real time. Additional functions include writing emails, making calls, playing music, summarizing and translating texts, and organizing calendar entries. “This means the days of the confusing app jungle are over,” emphasizes Claudia Nemat, Telekom’s technology chief.
Magenta AI Works with Technology from Perplexity
The underlying AI does not come from Telekom itself but from external partners. Currently, the “Magenta AI” assistant is supported by Perplexity–an AI search engine that has already made waves. In the future, Magenta AI is also expected to be used on other Telekom devices, such as the T-Phone series.
Those who want to test Magenta AI now can do so via the “Mein Magenta” app, where the technology has already been integrated. “We want to democratize access to the best generative AI technologies. That is our core vision for ‘Magenta AI,'” explains product manager Jon Abrahamson.
Starting in summer 2025, additional partner technologies will be integrated into Magenta AI. In addition to Perplexity, Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, and Picsart will be used:
- Google Cloud AI uses the “Gemini Multimodal Live API” to analyze content in real time. This allows, for example, simultaneous translation of conversations or recognition of text on signs and menus via camera.
- ElevenLabs enables complex documents or websites to be read aloud as podcasts with various voice options.
- Picsart offers image editing features that allow users to create avatars from photos or transform images into different styles.
Also of interest: Telekom on AI in Recruiting: “There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution”
Our Highlights from MWC 2024
4 Reasons Why Apple Has Failed With Siri
Not Quite Without Apps
The big highlight at MWC 2024 was a smartphone entirely without apps. Upon closer inspection, this original idea proves not to be fully feasible. The AI phone is based on Android and still requires access to traditional apps for certain functions–such as login data or payment processing.
Thus, the promise of a completely app-free device ultimately remains unfulfilled. However, the apps are at least not particularly visible. The main control is via voice input.
Telekom’s AI Phone Holds Potential but Also Uncertainties
It is still too early for a final verdict on Telekom’s AI phone. The concept seems well thought out, as voice command control could indeed simplify usage. However, similar approaches already exist–for instance, Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 series also integrates an advanced AI assistant that controls apps and functions across the entire device.
Moreover, a look at previous AI projects shows that the absence of apps is not necessarily a recipe for success. Devices like the Humane AI Pin, Rabbit R1, or the Limitless Pendant, which dispensed with traditional apps and sometimes even displays, were quickly overtaken by reality after their initial hype. While Humane has already disappeared from the market, Rabbit R1 struggles with update issues but now at least offers support for the German language.
Fundamental questions also remain: Is an AI assistant that deeply integrates into daily life truly a relief or rather a limitation of choice? And how are the creators of the content from which the AI generates its responses compensated?
Conclusion: Telekom’s AI phone could be an exciting innovation–but whether it will actually establish itself as a practical everyday device remains to be seen.