Rabbit r1: Hardware AI assistant for $199
The relatively new AI startup Rabbit presented its first product at CES in Las Vegas – the Rabbit r1 is here. It is a compact device that is intended to simplify the use of a smartphone. The r1 runs Rabbit OS, an operating system based on a Large Action Model (LAM).
The Large Action Model is capable of learning how people use computers, or more specifically, how r1 users use apps. According to Rabbit, the r1 can understand complex user intent, operate user interfaces and perform actions on behalf of the user. The operating system was trained on data from people interacting with apps. Accordingly, the r1 can order pizza, book rides, play music, communicate with people and do more via voice commands.
Requests and commands are given to the Rabbit r1 using a push-to-talk button on the side. There are no apps on the R1 and tasks are completed over the internet. There is a 2.88-inch touch display developed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, a rotating camera for taking photos and videos and answering video calls, a scroll wheel for navigation purposes and a USB-C port for charging. The battery has a capacity of 1,000 mAh, the battery life is not yet known. There is also a separate SIM card for mobile communications.
Tasks for the r1 can also contain several levels. The assistant can, for example, book a hotel for a location and find restaurant recommendations and activities. Once the r1 has learned a task, it can repeat the action independently. He can reportedly even interact with apps like Photoshop and perform multi-step actions within the software. For this to work, the Rabbit r1 obviously needs a user’s login details for these apps.
The Rabbit r1 is available for pre-order on the Rabbit website for $199 (€181), but the first batch is already sold out. Deliveries to customers are expected to start in March or April 2024.
