Rabbit R1: Just Another Android App: Rabbit R1 was exhibited at CES 2024 as an AI-powered handheld device.
The device’s custom operating system, Rabbit OS, was powered by a large action model (LAM).
In the same way as AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, this system answered any question you had.
According to Android enthusiast Mishaal Rahman, Rabbit R1 is just a simple Android app that works on any smartphone.
In addition, Rabbit R1’s launcher app was successfully ported to a Pixel 6a, which ran fine. Let’s take a closer look.
R1 Rabbit: Is it just an app?
In addition to its proprietary hardware design, the Rabbit R1 was advertised as being deeply integrated with Rabbit OS and their in-house LAM.
To generate responses to queries, Rabbit’s cloud servers require an active internet connection.
It turns out that what was supposed to be a closed software system is just a fork of AOSP (Android).
In spite of this, Rabbit R1’s core user interface can be ported to any other Android phone with some tweaks, indicating that the device’s main functions are packaged as apps rather than software.
Rabbit OS app emulators can’t access LAM features, according to Rabbit’s CEO.
Not just an Android app, the Rabbit OS is customised for the R1.
Rabbit’s response isn’t satisfactory for several reasons. Another user named Arthur posted a video on YouTube showing the Rabbit R1 running DOOM.
Mishaal Rahman mentions Rabbit OS’s keyboard is a fork of AnySoftKeyboard.
Moreover, these allegations raise questions about the Rabbit R1, which could have been an Android app.
It has also bundled the features into a small handheld running a cut-down version of Android.
Rabbit R1’s closest competitor, Humane AI Pin, was criticized for lacking refinement.
In addition to a laser projector and gesture detection, the AI Pin has unique hardware components.
Unlike the Rabbit R1, the Rabbit R1 lacks any unique hardware such as a camera, display, or speaker.
Thus, it’s hard to justify why it would require custom hardware instead of being released as an Android app.
Currently, the Rabbit R1 does not appear to do anything extra that a normal smartphone cannot.
As a result, technology enthusiasts have harshly criticized the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin, raising serious doubts about their success.
Over the next few years, it will be interesting to see how these handheld AI-powered assistant devices develop.
Also Read: Apple iOS 18 Overhaul: Enhancements Coming to Photos, Mail, and More Here’s What to Expect
