The Rabbit R1, a portable AI digital assistant, undergoes a thorough evaluation to explore its features, performance, and reception in the market. Despite its promising design and functions, it faces criticism for its limited capabilities and battery life, highlighting the enduring dominance of smartphones in the tech landscape.
Rabbit R1: Testing the New AI Gadget
Overview
The Rabbit R1 is a new portable AI digital assistant that aims to offer an alternative to smartphone usage. The gadget, which resembles a bright orange box, has been tested by technology editor Zoe Kleinman to gauge its capabilities and potential as a daily essential.
Key Features
- Design: The R1 features a tactile design with a button, a scroll wheel, and a camera that moves from front-to-back.
- Pricing: It is priced at £159 and does not require any subscription.
- Functions: The device provides basic information like time, weather, directions, and translations. It can also access Spotify or Apple Music accounts and use the AI image generator Midjourney.
Performance
- Practical Use: The device successfully handled simple queries like finding top chess players and giving news updates. However, it struggled with more practical tasks such as finding nearby coffee shops and accurately identifying objects through its camera.
- Battery Life: The R1 consumed over 20% of its battery life within the first hour of use.
- Cloud Storage: User activities are stored in the cloud, accessible through a feature called “Rabbithole.”
Reception
Mixed reviews have labeled the Rabbit R1 as “half-baked” and “failing at almost everything.” High-profile tech reviewer Marques Brownlee deemed it “barely reviewable.” The founder of Rabbit, Jesse Lyu, acknowledges these criticisms, stating that the product is still a work in progress.
Market Context
Experts like Ben Wood from CCS Insight predict an increase in AI-powered devices over the next 18 months but believe that smartphones will remain dominant, incorporating many of these AI innovations.
Conclusion
While the Rabbit R1 provides an interesting look into the future of AI-driven gadgets, it currently lacks the functionality to replace smartphones. Its limitations highlight the continued relevance and superiority of smartphones in handling a wide range of tasks efficiently.
