App-Free Smartphone? Deutsche Telekom's AI-Powered 'T-Phone' Unveiled at MWC

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 26 February 2024, 11:02 am

Deutsche Telekom took a bold step into the future on Monday, revealing a revolutionary smartphone concept that breaks away from the norm of app-centric devices.

The German telecom giant showcased the "T-phone," a visionary device designed to rely on artificial intelligence (AI) rather than traditional applications to address users' specific needs. This groundbreaking innovation, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Brain, features an app-free user interface, challenging the prevailing smartphone landscape.

Deustsche Telekom CEO Tim Hoettges, in a keynote presentation at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, confidently declared, "I can tell you that in 5-10 years from now, nobody from us will use apps anymore," as reported by Reuters.

(Photo : PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) German Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Telekom AG Tim Hoettges gives a conference during the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona on February 26, 2024. The world's biggest mobile phone fair throws open its doors in Barcelona with the sector looking to artificial intelligence to try and reverse declining sales.

The T-phone is designed to respond to prompts, provide personalized travel recommendations, make user-initiated purchases, and seamlessly share multimedia content with contacts. Deutsche Telekom highlighted its commitment to integrating multi- and crossmodal Large Language Models (LLMs) into devices, anticipating an elevated user experience.

This unveiling aligns with the broader trend of tech and telecom companies leveraging the MWC platform to introduce cutting-edge products. However, amidst the excitement surrounding AI, experts caution that legal and ethical concerns may arise in the future, raising important considerations for the evolving technology landscape.

Jeff Bezos Investing in AI Humanoids

In another development in the artificial intelligence field, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is taking a prominent role in exploring the next frontier by spearheading investments in humanoid robots through the startup Figure AI Inc. TechTimes reported that the California-based robotics company is currently in the midst of a funding round aiming to raise approximately $675 million, boasting an estimated pre-money valuation of $2 billion.

Jeff Bezos, operating through Explore Investments LLC, has committed a significant $100 million to this venture, with Microsoft closely following suit with a $95 million investment. Additionally, both Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund are contributing $50 million each, highlighting the industry's robust interest in humanoid robotics.

Figure AI, supported by OpenAI and Microsoft, aims to push the boundaries of AI technology by developing versatile humanoid robots capable of operating in diverse environments, including warehouses and retail spaces, while handling hazardous tasks.

AI Powered Bionic Arm Set to Transform Prostethics Tech

Another AI tech frontier developed by Atom Limbs is making waves with the "Atom Touch," a bionic arm poised to redefine prosthetics with the integration of artificial intelligence.

This world-first artificial limb interprets neural signals from the user's brain, utilizing advanced sensors and machine learning for a nearly full range of motion. Boasting flexibility at the elbow, wrist, and individual fingers, the bionic arm provides wearers with feedback on grip strength. This bionic arm is significantly lighter than its competitors and comes with a reinforced sportswear-style vest for weight distribution.

An international research collaboration featuring scientists from Italy, Australia, Sweden, and the United States has achieved a significant breakthrough in non-invasive bionic arm technology. Unlike traditional methods requiring surgery or implants,

Atom Limbs' pioneering arm is initially secured to the wearer's remaining leg through bands of electrical signal-measuring sensors, connecting seamlessly to a protruding cup interface. This breakthrough marks a transformative step in the development of AI-driven prosthetics, promising enhanced mobility and functionality for users worldwide.