The Rabbit R1 is an AI-powered virtual assistant that aims to do certain things better than your smartphone. It comes in a retro-inspired design, with a case that looks like a cassette tape holder and serves as a kickstand. The device does not come with a charging cable, but can be powered up using any USB-C cable and adapter. The R1 runs on an operating system fueled by a “large action model,” which allows it to learn how to use apps and services without manual operation. The launch of the Rabbit R1 follows the release of other AI gadgets like the Humane AI Pin, which aim to decrease reliance on smartphones.
The Rabbit R1 is about half the size of a smartphone and is part of a new wave of AI gadgets that have emerged in the wake of the success of chatbots like ChatGPT. The software powering the R1 is trained to learn how to use apps and services like humans, with the goal of reducing the need for manual operations. The R1’s launch comes after the release of the Humane AI Pin, a wearable device that also aims to decrease reliance on smartphones, but was poorly received by reviewers. There is skepticism around unfamiliar AI devices that seek to supplement or replace phones, but the Rabbit R1 aims to offer a new user experience.
The Rabbit R1 comes in a cardboard box designed to look like a rabbit’s face when opened. Inside, you will find the R1 device itself and the protective case. The case resembles a cassette tape holder and can be used as a kickstand. While the R1 does not come with a charging cable, it can be powered up with any USB-C cable and adapter. The device’s retro-inspired design is evident in its appearance and in the vintage gadgets and toys lining the hallway of its launch party.
The Rabbit R1 is part of a new trend in AI gadgets that leverage advanced technology to provide a unique user experience. Unlike traditional smartphones, the R1 aims to automate tasks and services to make them more user-friendly. The success of chatbots like ChatGPT has paved the way for devices like the Rabbit R1, which offer a different approach to interacting with technology. The promise of the R1 is to enhance certain functions and services compared to a regular smartphone, providing users with an alternative device for specific tasks and applications.
