The consumer electronics business continues to surprise us. At CES 2024, one of the most intriguing announcements has been the Rabbit R1 by startup Rabbit Inc. This pocket-sized device powered by artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
What is Rabbit R1?
The Rabbit R1 is a handheld voice-controlled gadget that utilizes artificial intelligence to accomplish digital tasks for you.
It enables you to utilize voice commands to access certain features of popular apps that would otherwise require a smartphone.
For example, you can request that the Rabbit R1 call you an Uber or order meals from DoorDash. The Rabbit R1 will understand your request and schedule the ride or place the order for you.
The AI underpinning the Rabbit R1 is known as Large Action Model (LAM). It can learn to use mobile apps in the same way that humans do.
Hardware
In terms of design, the Rabbit R1 is a charming palm-sized device with a 2.88 inch touchscreen display. The device features a spinning camera that allows you to capture 360-degree photos and videos. It also features a scroll wheel and a push-to-talk button on the side. Pressing this button allows you to provide voice commands to the Rabbit R1.
The Rabbit R1 includes a SIM card slot, which is an important hardware feature. This means it can connect to 4G networks without pairing with a smartphone. Of course, it can also be used via Wi-Fi.
According to Rabbit Inc., the R1 can go all day on a single charge. It charges through a USB-C port.
How Does The Rabbit R1 Work?
The Rabbit R1 runs RabbitOS, an operating system created by Rabbit Inc. RabbitOS does not have any installed applications. Instead, it makes direct connections to popular apps and services using LAM.
LAM is an artificial intelligence system educated by having humans teach how to use various mobile and web applications. It can then repeat those actions to execute tasks in apps on behalf of users.
For example, to educate LAM how to order an Uber, Rabbit’s team would have shown it:
- Open the Uber app.
- Select pickup and drop-off locations.
- Select a ride type.
- Book the ride.
- Enter payment details.
After this training, LAM can book an Uber ride entirely on its own when you offer the Rabbit R1 a voice command such as “Get me an Uber to Times Square.”
RabbitOS also has a web portal named Rabbit Hole. You may connect your Spotify, Uber, and Amazon accounts here. This enables the Rabbit R1 to access your accounts and serve as your personal assistant.
Rabbit Inc promises an intriguing addition in the future: a “Teach Mode.” This enables Rabbit R1 users to train unique AI models known as “rabbits” to automate niche or specialized jobs.
For example, you could show a rabbit how to erase a watermark from an image in Photoshop. Following this one-time training, your R1 will be able to remove watermarks on command without requiring step-by-step instructions each time.
Why is the Rabbit R1 so exciting?
The Rabbit R1 represents a new way of connecting with technology that does not rely on typical smartphone apps. Its voice-controlled technology is capable of not only understanding commands but also acting on them.
For simple tasks such as ordering meals or scheduling a cab, the Rabbit R1 eliminates the need to switch between different apps on your phone. AI features such as LAM and Teach Mode advance automation to the next level.
For example, you could show a rabbit how to erase a watermark from an image in Photoshop. Following this one-time training, your Rabbit R1 will be able to remove watermarks on command without requiring step-by-step instructions each time.
Rabbit Inc. believes the Rabbit R1 has the potential to fully replace cellphones someday. While it may not currently offer all a smartphone can do, it does cover a wide range of daily use cases.
And it does so in a portable, adorable, and user-friendly package. The Rabbit R1 appears to be ushering in a new era of AI assistants that are both highly functional and emotionally intelligent.
Availability and Pricing
The Rabbit R1 costs $199 in the United States. Pre-orders are now open on Rabbit Inc.’s website. The first units will be delivered to US consumers in March-April 2024. Availability in other countries, including Spain, will come later.
Given the hardware specifications and strong AI capabilities, the $199 price sounds like a good deal. Once consumers see how much the R1 streamlines daily duties, it may become a popular gadget.
Early assessments are positive, and several experts believe the Rabbit R1 will be one of the most innovative devices introduced at CES 2024. It competes with comparable items, such as the Humane AI Pin. However, the R1 stands out due to its strategic focus on developing AI that can use apps rather than simply providing information.
Conclusion
The Rabbit R1 may appear to be a basic gadget, but don’t be fooled by its charming design. This is a highly advanced AI helper packed into a small compact.
It removes the friction that we frequently encounter when utilizing apps and services on our phones. The Rabbit R1 also offers a glimpse into a future in which AI will become more adept at engaging with digital platforms in the same way that humans do.
While the Rabbit R1 is not intended to replace smartphones, it can surely do a variety of daily chores. This allows us to devote more time to the things that are most important to us. The Rabbit R1 is unquestionably one of the most inventive gadgets we’ve seen in recent years.
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