Hardware can be fun again, as demonstrated by the excitement surrounding Rabbit R1’s launch event. The event took place at the TWA Hotel, which pays homage to a bygone era of travel. The atmosphere was electric, with hundreds of attendees eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the R1. Rabbit’s approach to spectacle is similar to that of Humane, another tech company focused on product design. Both companies understand the value of industrial design and have created visually striking products.
The R1 itself is a unique-looking device, resembling an art piece rather than a typical consumer electronic. It features a small touch screen, though most interactions are performed using voice commands. This highlights the ongoing challenge facing AI devices: justifying their existence outside of smartphones. With generative AI models becoming increasingly accessible on mobile devices, AI devices need to offer something more to stand out.
The absence of a screen on Humane’s Ai Pin is intentional, designed to combat screen obsession. However, Rabbit takes a different approach, incorporating a small touch screen into the R1. Despite this, there aren’t many reasons to interact with the screen beyond initial setup. The focus is on voice commands and the device’s onboard operating system. While the R1 lacks the app ecosystem of smartphones, it can connect to other accounts such as Spotify and Uber.
One of the notable features of the R1 is its AI vision capability. It can recognize and understand objects, though its performance can vary. In a test, it correctly identified books on a shelf, providing descriptions and offering contextual insights. However, there were times when the context provided was excessive or unrelated to the query. These early-stage devices are designed to improve over time with more usage.
Compared to Humane’s Ai Pin, the R1 offers greater accessibility due to its touchscreen and more affordable price point. The R1 also does not require a monthly service fee, unlike the Ai Pin. This, combined with its stellar design, has made the R1 a compelling alternative to the Ai Pin.
In conclusion, the Rabbit R1 is a beautifully designed device that provides a glimpse into the future of AI devices. Its unique appearance and accessible features make it an appealing choice for consumers. While it may not solve the issue of screen obsession, it offers an intriguing perspective on where technology is heading. With further development and refinement, AI devices like the R1 have the potential to shape the future of consumer electronics.