Rabbit R1: The cute little pocket-size viral AI device that can do everything for you

AI startup Rabbit has unveiled a multifunctional device, Rabbit R1, that functions similarly to a smartphone but isn't one.

In Short

• Rabbit R1, a pocket-sized AI device unveiled at CES 2024, sold over 10,000 units on launch day.
• The device can send messages, place calls, access services like Spotify and Uber, and has its own virtual assistant.
• Priced at approximately Rs 16,500, Rabbit R1 is currently available only in the US with no news on its availability in India.

AI startup Rabbit unveiled an interesting new device at CES 2024, that has caught a lot of attention. So much, that the company has already sold more than 10,000 units in just one day of the launch. But what is this device? It’s actually a lot of things. Called the Rabbit R1, the AI company has launched a device that looks a lot like a Game Boy –– a more square-ish version of that –– it has a touchscreen, it works like a walkie-talkie, it features camera functionality, but it’s not a smartphone. In an interview with The Verge, the CEO of Rabbit also clarified that while their product has the potential to replace a smartphone eventually, sometimes in the future, it does not intend to do so yet.

Basically, the Rabbit R1 performs tasks similarly to mobile apps, except it doesn’t require a smartphone to work. Operating on the Rabbit OS, it allows a user to send messages, place calls, and access services like Spotify and Uber. Additionally, the Rabbit R1, similar to Siri and Alexa, features its own virtual assistant, which, as per the company, can easily handle complex instructions.

The reason why the Rabbit R1 is making so much noise is because, in essence, the device shares a concept very similar to personal assistants like Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, except it’s able to do a little more, and feels just a tad bit more reliable because of a physical interface. The Rabbit OS can control music, shop for groceries for you, send a text message, place a call, all within a unified interface. Streamlining the process, there's no need for juggling multiple apps and logins — simply express your request, and the device takes care of the rest. In the demo video, the Rabbit CEO says that the screen is basically there to primarily serve as a means for users to validate the model's output personally.

As for specifications, the Rabbit R1 comes with a 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio P35 processor, 4 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. It comes equipped with USB-C connectivity, an “all day” battery life, and a SIM slot. This pocket-size device relies on continuous internet connectivity for its functionality. The device also has a rotating camera that lets you click pictures and record videos. And to interact with the device, there is a scroll button that you can push to talk or navigate the device.

It is priced at $199, which is approximately Rs 16,500, and does not require a subscription. Currently, it’s only available for purchase in the US, and there is no news if and when it will be available to the Indian audience.

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Published By:
Nandini Yadav
Published On:
Jan 11, 2024