Telekom Smart Speaker: An update terminates all functions
It is always amazing to see how large corporations get bogged down in the idea of wanting to develop their own digital assistants. As a precaution, Telekom delivered the first and only smart loudspeaker with Amazon’s Alexa in addition to the Magenta assistant. It is now clear: the project is not only stumbling, the developers have gotten so badly wrong that the ripcord is being pulled. “Due to the low number of users, we will no longer invest in voice control via the Telekom Smart Speaker,” said the group in the FAQ at the end.
For the only existing product, however, this announcement comes with much more than the news that new features will no longer be delivered. Quite the opposite: after an automatic update that will be played out on June 30, 2023, according to the developers, more or less “all functions” will no longer be available on the smart speaker. All voice control functions including Amazon Alexa will be removed, and the WiFi connection will be cut forever. The only option left is to use it as a Bluetooth speaker.
Probably the most important information for customers: If the smart speaker was purchased before June 30, 2021, according to Telekom, there is no right to a refund. After this date, however, the purchase price can be reclaimed upon presentation of the proof of purchase and after the device has been returned. Anyone who has rented the smart speaker will receive a “separate letter of termination” from Telekom in the next few weeks.
- Telekom’s own smart speaker solution failed
- Update removes all functions, WiFi connection cut
- Purchase before June 30, 2021: Not eligible for a refund
- Purchase after June 30, 2021: Refund if returned
- Tenants receive letters of termination from Telekom
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Deutsche Telekom, telecom, problems, failure, disruption
