Rabbit R1: Could this AI gadget be the 'smartphone killer'?
What specific features does the Rabbit R1 offer as a portable AI digital assistant?
The Rabbit R1 offers several features as a portable AI digital assistant:
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Large Action Model (LAM) AI: The R1 is powered by a Large Action Model AI that can handle tasks like music playback, ordering food, and sending messages through a simple interface5.
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Voice Commands: The device has a push-to-talk button that allows users to give voice commands.
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Connectivity: The R1 has both Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity options, and it can also connect to a Wi-Fi network.
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Camera: The device features a 360-degree rotating camera that can be used for tasks like live translations and identifying objects.
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Scroll Wheel: The R1 has a scroll wheel for easy navigation3.
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Rabbit OS: The device runs on Rabbit OS, which uses a combination of large language models and large action models developed by Rabbit. These AI technologies can carry out user requests and can even learn by demonstration.
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Training Mode: The R1 has a training mode that allows users to teach it new tasks, making it personalized to individual needs.
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Rabbit Hole Web Portal: This is a centralized online platform designed for managing various services and accounts connected to the device.
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Hardware Features: The R1 has a 2.88-inch touchscreen display, a push-to-talk button, a scroll wheel, and a rotating camera3. It also has a USB-C port and an empty SIM card slot, which is factory unlocked for true versatility.
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Privacy and Security: The R1 does not have an "always listening mode," and the microphone will not record unless the user presses the push-to-talk button. The rotating camera also defaults to a position that physically blocks the lens unless the user explicitly requests it.
How does the Rabbit R1 compare to other similar AI-driven devices previously launched in the market?
The Rabbit R1 is a pocket-sized AI device that has gained attention for its potential to change the way we interact with AI beyond smartphones and computers. Compared to other similar AI-driven devices, such as the Humane AI Pin, the Rabbit R1 has its own unique features and capabilities.
The Rabbit R1 uses a Large Action Model (LAM) to understand complex requests and perform tasks across different web apps and websites3. This sets it apart from other AI devices that mainly focus on language understanding. The device can also learn from you through its "teach mode," allowing it to learn any phrase or command to perform tasks3.
In terms of design, the Rabbit R1 is a handheld device with a 2.88-inch TFT touchscreen display, a push-to-talk button, a far-field mic, and a 360° rotational camera. It is powered by a MediaTek MT6765 Octa-core (Helio P35) processor with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It offers connectivity options such as Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz + 5GHz, and 4G LTE.
Compared to the Humane AI Pin, which is designed to be pinned to your chest and provides a Laser Ink Display on your hand, the Rabbit R1 offers a more pocketable and subtle design. It also has a significantly lower price point, with the Rabbit R1 priced at $199 compared to the Humane AI Pin's price of $699.
While the Rabbit R1 shows promise in terms of its multimodal capabilities and the Large Action Model, it is important to note that it is not meant to replace your smartphone. Its hardware capacity is limited compared to smartphones, and it lacks the processing power, storage, battery life, and camera quality of modern smartphones.
Overall, the Rabbit R1 offers a new way to interact with AI and has its own unique features, making it a compelling option for those looking to explore AI-driven devices. However, it is still a work in progress and may not be suitable for everyone.
What are the main criticisms faced by the Rabbit R1 according to tech reviewers and users?
The main criticisms faced by the Rabbit R1 according to tech reviewers and users are:
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Limited functionality: The Rabbit R1 is primarily designed for answering questions and completing tasks through voice commands, but it lacks many basic features like alarms, timers, contacts, and calendar. It also doesn't support messaging, social media, or shopping, which makes it less useful as a standalone device.
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Inaccurate answers and AI performance: Many users have reported that the Rabbit R1 often provides inaccurate answers to questions, even basic ones. Its AI capabilities, despite being powered by a Large Action Model, have been criticized for being unreliable and lacking in practical applications3.
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Slow performance and buggy software: Reviewers have mentioned that the Rabbit R1 frequently experiences slow performance, crashes, and errors. It also suffers from poor battery life, which further hampers its usefulness as a portable device.
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Unintuitive user interface: The Rabbit R1's user interface has been criticized for being unintuitive and frustrating to use. The device relies heavily on voice commands, but its touchscreen is often unresponsive and the built-in scroll wheel is seen as unnecessary and outdated.
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Questionable build quality and design choices: Some users have commented on the cheap plastic construction of the Rabbit R1 and the odd design choice of having a scroll wheel but no headphone jack. The device's camera quality has also been deemed unsatisfactory.
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Privacy concerns: There are concerns about the device's cloud storage system, called the Rabbithole, where all user activity is stored. Some users may not be comfortable with this setup due to privacy reasons.
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Lack of clear use case: Many reviewers have pointed out that the Rabbit R1 doesn't offer a compelling reason for users to carry it around, as most of its functions can already be performed by smartphones, often more effectively.