At CES 2024, AI startupsRabbitJesse Lyu, CEO and founder of AI, revealed that their new product R1 is not intended to replace smartphones, but a standalone artificial intelligence device priced at $199. Despite the R1's ambitions, Lyu said that the goal of replacing mobile phones has not yet been fully achieved.
The R1 looks like a modernized version of the Playdate, with a 2.88-inch touchscreen, rotating camera, scroll wheel/button, etc. Its internal configuration includes a 2.3GHz MediaTek processor, 4GB of memory and 128GB of storage space, and was designed in collaboration with design company Teenage Engineering.
The R1 control system is Rabbit OS, which uses underlying artificial intelligence technology. Unlike large language models, Rabbit OS is based on "large operation models", similar to Alexa or Google Assistant. Rabbit OS controls music, orders cars, buys groceries, etc. through one interface, without the need for applications and logins, just simple questions.
Rabbit does not take the traditional API support approach, but instead uses training models to use existing applications. The Large Action Model (LAM) is trained through human interaction with the application, and R1 can perform operations similar to Google Assistant by rotating the camera, buttons, and speakers. In addition, R1 has a dedicated training mode that allows users to teach the device to perform specific tasks.
Although R1 performs well in actual use, how to work with users on a large number of devices and platforms is still a difficult problem that Rabbit needs to solve. Rabbit OS's vision is similar to an app store, connecting artificial intelligence hardware into onesuperApplication program with a wide range of application scenarios.
However, Rabbit's true vision for the R1 is still unclear. Although the R1 has features such as video calls and a SIM card slot, its functions are not yet enough to replace a mobile phone. Lyu said that the R1 is a beautiful accessory and an all-in-one device of the future. The R1 is currently open for pre-order and will start shipping in March. Lyu even thinks that it may beat Humane's AI Pin in the market.