Rabbit R1 is a new $199 standalone AI device from the AI startup Rabbit envisioned by CEO and founder Jesse Liu. The R1 resembles a Playdate console or a modernized handheld TV. It is a compact gadget with a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a rotating camera for photos and videos, a scroll wheel/button for navigation, and communication with the built-in assistant.
Powered by a 2.3GHz MediaTek processor, 4GB of memory, and 128GB of storage, the round body is a collaboration with design company, Teenage Engineering. Rabbit claims the battery lasts “all day,” leaving room for curiosity about this innovative AI device’s capabilities.
The core of R1 lies in its software, featuring Rabbit’s operating system, Rabbit OS, and the underlying AI technology. Unlike large language models such as ChatGPT, Rabbit OS adopts a “Large Action Model” (LAM), acting as a universal controller for applications. The goal is to provide a comprehensive solution, similar to major language models, offering a versatile approach to power services on websites, apps, or desktops. In essence, it shares similarities with concepts like Alexa or Google Assistant. Rabbit OS can manage tasks such as controlling music, ordering a car, grocery shopping, sending messages, and more, all through a unified interface. This eliminates the need for redundant apps and logins—simply express your request and let the device execute it.
Rabbit innovatively sidestepped API development, opting to train its model on existing apps. LAMs trained through human interactions with Spotify and Uber gained insights into app functionalities. The R1’s dedicated training mode enables users to teach specific tasks showcasing its adaptability, such as autonomously removing watermarks in about 30 seconds.
The practical workings of all this remain a significant question. While the R1 allows for certain tasks, you primarily interact with different services through a web portal named Rabbit Hole.
Rabbit OS may play a similar App Store role. Rabbit’s shrewd strategy, employing the LAM method to teach the model app interactions, distinguishes it from AI hardware tied to chatbots. Positioned as a super app, Rabbit envisions a unified interface for varied tasks, presenting a compelling perspective despite inherent complexities.
Liu’s discussion on Rabbit OS and the R1 reveals an unclear vision. Not intended to replace phones (or it might), the device supports video calls and has a SIM card slot. As a voice assistant with a screen and camera, Rabbit emphasizes security. Open for pre-orders, the R1 ships in March, and Liu hopes to surpass human AI to market.
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