The landscape of technology is constantly evolving, with innovative devices leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) emerging regularly. We are witnessing a surge in consumer tech devices that are built around large language models, such as the Humane AI Pin and Meta’s Ray Ban Glasses. The latest addition to this growing list is the Rabbit R1, a device that has sparked considerable interest and discussion on social media platforms like Twitter
The Rabbit R1 is a small, innovative mobile device designed to streamline how users interact with digital services. It’s the first product from a startup called Rabbit and is available for pre-order at $199. The device is equipped with a 2.88-inch touchscreen display, a rotating camera, a scroll wheel for navigation, far-field microphones, and a push-to-talk button for voice input[1]. It also has a 2.3 GHz MediaTek processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
The Rabbit R1 is designed to change the way we interact with apps and devices. It uses a voice-driven interface powered by AI, which allows users to navigate apps without having to pick up their phone. The device runs the Linux-based Rabbit OS, which lets users select and log into third-party apps and services like Spotify, Uber, or food delivery. Rabbit also introduced an advanced “teach mode” where users can demonstrate workflows for the R1 to learn.
The device operates as a fully standalone handheld device, with both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options. It has an all-day battery life and is expected to start shipping in March 2024.
Rabbit’s vision is to build a device that doesn’t have an app structure, instead using voice as the native interface, with AI at its core, capable of performing a variety of actions. The company is positioning this device as a utility, potentially supplementing or even replacing our phones.
However, there are questions about the market for the R1 and whether users will carry it around in addition to their phones. Some speculate that the real value of Rabbit lies in its software, not the device, and that it could be positioning itself for a future where its software is licensed out to other device makers.