During CES 2024, California-based firm Rabbit Inc. unveiled their brand-new mobile device, which intends to revolutionize how consumers interact with smartphone UIs via artificial intelligence.
It’s called Rabbit r1, but before we get into what it does, let’s watch a recent keynote video that provides useful background information. Jesse Lyu, the company’s CEO, claims that modern smartphone interfaces are not intuitive. He claims there are far too many apps that do not connect with one another. Lyu dislikes having to switch from app to app just to complete simple chores, thus Rabbit Inc. set out to design a device that would automate all of these procedures, which is the r1.
Personal Assistants
A Large Action Model, sometimes known as LAM, is housed inside. It is an artificial intelligence model that can learn how consumers interact with apps and then duplicate that behavior. The software understands complicated interactions without the requirement for an additional API (Application Programming Interface). This technology serves as the backbone for the company’s proprietary operating system, rabbitOS.
Users of rabbit OS will be able to construct automated scripts known as ‘rabbits’ that will do tasks using voice commands. These assistants behave similarly to the Google Assistant. The key distinction with Rabbit’s gadget is that all tasks are completed via a single interface. You won’t have to open apps and log in simply to accomplish one task.
For example, suppose you want the r1 to handle your grocery shopping. First, you record the process of opening a supermarket app, selecting your items, and finally checking out. Next time you need to buy groceries, pull out the r1, press the button on the side, and orally instruct it to repeat the steps from your previous grocery shopping trip. That’s the essence of how it works.
The programs you write can even be monetized and distributed through the startup’s future shop, Rabbit Hole.
Hardware specifications
In terms of hardware, the little device is said to be about the “size of a stack of Post-it notes” and weighs 115g (4oz). It features a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a push-to-talk button, and a scroll wheel for navigation. The Rabbit r1 is powered by a 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio P35 processor and has a ‘all-day’ battery. Other prominent features include compatibility for cellular connectivity and an AI-powered rotating camera.
The Rabbit R1 is currently available for pre-order in Luminous Orange. It will cost you $200, “with no additional monthly subscription required.” According to the official page, it is compatible with music, ridesharing, and retail apps, to mention a few. US orders will ship out in late March, and international orders will go out later in the year. An exact date has not been provided.
In some ways, the Rabbit r1 is a simplified smartphone with a stronger focus on artificial intelligence. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the ones from the tech titans. Can it compete, or will it be dismissed as a mere toy? It’s difficult to say.
