Phonebox Gives AI Agents Control of Cloud Android Phones

Summary

Phonebox is a cloud service that gives AI agents control of Android devices rather than a phone number, SMS inbox, or calling service. An API call starts a device, while its CLI and SDK wait until the phone is ready; agents can read the screen as numbered items, tap labels, type, swipe, open apps, install apps, move files, and change location or language. Phonebox offers integrations for coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor, a REST API and TypeScript SDK for app workflows, and an MCP connection that exposes tools for starting, operating, and parking a device. Phones park after ten idle minutes unless configured otherwise, cost nothing while parked, and retain installed apps and signed-in accounts for later sessions. Running devices are billed by the second, with user-set limits, action logs, session-linked charges, and a monthly spending cap intended to prevent unexpected new sessions. The service is designed for agents that need to use apps without available APIs, while leaving task decisions to the agent and managing device readiness and lifecycle.