Rabbit, an AI startup, has recently announced the launch of its new product, the Rabbit R1. This $199 standalone AI device, envisioned by Jesse Lyu, CEO and founder of Rabbit, is a vision of the future, crafted with the intent to eventually replace the smartphone.
The Rabbit R1, with its unique design reminiscent of a Playdate console or a modernized version of a ’90s-era handheld TV, is a compact device, about half the size of an iPhone. It features a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a rotating camera for photos and videos, and a scroll wheel/button for navigation. The device is powered by a 2.3GHz MediaTek processor, equipped with 4GB of memory and 128GB of storage. Its rounded body, designed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, boasting an all-day battery life.
At the heart of the R1 is Rabbit OS, an operating system based on a “Large Action Model” (LAM). This system is a departure from traditional large language models, focusing instead on acting as a universal controller for various apps. Rabbit OS aims to streamline everyday tasks, such as controlling music, ordering cars, buying groceries, and sending messages, through a single, unified interface. The R1’s on-screen interface will display category-based cards for different services, allowing users to easily verify the model’s output.
Rabbit’s approach with the LAM is a game-changer. Rather than developing new APIs and seeking developer support, the model is trained to interact with existing apps. It learns from human interactions with popular apps like Spotify and Uber, understanding the intricacies of settings, order confirmations, and search functions. This approach enables the R1 to apply these actions across any app, making it a versatile and user-friendly device.
One of the standout features of the R1 is its dedicated training mode. This allows users to teach the device specific tasks, such as removing watermarks in Photoshop. After a brief learning period, the R1 can automate these tasks, offering a personalized and efficient user experience.
Accompanying the R1 is the Rabbit Hole, a web portal where users can log into their various services. This portal, along with the ability to teach the device new tasks via virtual machines, underscores Rabbit’s commitment to versatility and user convenience.
Rabbit R1 is a vision of a future where a single device can seamlessly integrate various aspects of our digital lives. While it’s not yet powerful enough to replace smartphones, its capabilities in video calls and the inclusion of a SIM card slot hint at its potential. Rabbit has designed the R1 with a focus on security and privacy, despite it requiring logins to major services.
Currently available for pre-order, the Rabbit R1 is expected to start shipping in March.
