Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile's parent company, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Perplexity to develop an AI-powered smartphone, marking one of the first major carrier-led initiatives in this space. The device, set to launch later this year, promises to redefine mobile experiences by integrating advanced AI capabilities directly into its core functionality.
The centerpiece of the phone will be the Perplexity Assistant, accessible directly from the lock screen. This eliminates the need to navigate between apps, making AI interactions seamless and intuitive. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas described the partnership as a shift from an "answer machine to an action machine," emphasizing its ability to handle daily tasks proactively.
In addition to Perplexity, the phone will integrate AI technologies from partners like Google Cloud AI for real-time translation, ElevenLabs for podcast creation, and Picsart for avatar generation. These features aim to make the device a versatile tool for productivity, creativity, and communication.
Priced under $1,000, the phone is expected to be accessible to a broad audience. Deutsche Telekom will also launch an app version of its Magenta AI this summer, further expanding its AI ecosystem.
This initiative signals a significant shift in the smartphone industry, moving away from app-centric interfaces toward more proactive, AI-driven experiences. It also solidifies Perplexity's position as a key player in the AI landscape, as it continues to innovate across various domains.