Rabbit R1 A1 Launched: An AI Based Gadget Powered to Use Your Apps

At CES, AI startup Rabbit unveiled a gadget priced at $199 that operates apps independently of a smartphone. However, this device, named R1, isn't intended to replace smartphones. Resembling a 90s-style portable gaming console, it conjures the shape of a miniaturised CRT television.

The R1 is about half the size of an iPhone, featuring a 2.88-inch screen. It runs on a 2.3Ghz MediaTek processor, with 4GB of memory and 128GB of storage. Notably, its design is a collaborative effort with audio brand Teenage Engineering, known for its partnership with Nothing.

Rabbit has yet to disclose the battery size but claims it lasts an entire day. The device operates on Rabbit OS, underpinned by AI technology. Although not a large language model like ChatGPT, Rabbit refers to it as a Large Action Model (LAM).

Jesse Lyu, CEO and founder of Rabbit, emphasises their goal of finding a universal solution akin to large language models. "How can we create a universal solution to activate our services, irrespective of the platform – be it a website, an app, or desktop?" he queries.

Rabbit's concept mirrors Humane's AI Pin efforts, aiming to activate services similarly something that Alexa or Google Assistant have tried for a decade. Users can command the device, and the screen allows them to verify the model's output.

Rabbit's innovation lies in training the LAM to interact with existing apps, such as Spotify or Uber. This training, conducted by humans, enables the R1 to learn complex software operations, like using Adobe Photoshop to remove watermarks or fetch images. Unlike relying on third-party APIs, the LAM independently learns to interface with these external applications.

Currently available for pre-order, the R1 is scheduled for sale in March.