In the bustling world of AI innovation, Los Angeles-based startup Rabbit Inc. has recently introduced the r1, a groundbreaking mobile device that’s poised to redefine our interaction with technology. Unveiled at the 2024 CES, the r1 symbolizes a significant shift from traditional smartphone usage to a more intuitive, AI-driven approach.
Jesse Lyu, the CEO of Rabbit Inc., described the r1 as the epitome of simplicity in computing. Unlike the app-based systems of smartphones that often involve cumbersome navigation, the r1 utilizes Rabbit Inc’s proprietary Large Action Model (LAM) to execute tasks through natural voice commands. This model, which is a step beyond the conventional Large Language Models, can perform complex, multi-step actions like booking a ride or planning a vacation with simple voice instructions.
The physical design of the r1 is equally innovative, featuring a 360-degree rotating camera for advanced computer vision, a push-to-talk button, and a user-friendly analog scroll wheel. It’s compatible with 4G LTE networks, ensuring global connectivity.
Rabbit Inc. collaborated with the Swedish firm Teenage Engineering for the r1’s industrial design, blending aesthetics with functionality. The device operates on the Linux-based Rabbit OS and includes a portal called ‘rabbit hole’ for integrating third-party apps like Spotify and Uber, emphasizing user privacy and security.
A novel aspect of the r1 is its ‘teach mode’, allowing users to train the device to acquire new skills over time. Priced at $199, much lower than high-end smartphones, the r1 is already available for pre-order and will start shipping early in 2024.
Rabbit Inc.’s successful funding round, which culminated in $30 million led by Khosla Ventures, underpins this ambitious project. Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures has high expectations for the LAM, predicting it could usher in an era where AI agents outnumber humans in carrying out tasks across the internet.
The r1 stands at the forefront of this transformative journey, potentially relegating smartphones to entertainment purposes as AI-driven devices like the r1 take over daily tasks. Rabbit Inc. is at the helm of this exciting new phase in computing, championing the simplicity of voice as the interface of the future.