“Inferring and modeling human actions at computer interfaces by learning user intentions and behavior when using specific applications, and then simulating them and executing them reliably and quickly.” This is the promise of a rather cute but cutting-edge device called Rabbit R1which was presented in CES 2024. Simply put, he wants to stop us from getting lost in the maze of smartphone apps.
Instead, you want to replicate human interaction with apps by learning and then removing them from the equation. And you can do all this without having to pair it with your phone. Cellular connectivity is part of the package here, as is Wi-Fi, for performing AI-powered tasks within apps without having to open those apps on your phone.
The idea is to create an app-free human-machine experience. Instead of tapping on your phone’s touchscreen, you let the device see and learn and then perform the same task in the future using voice commands..
The entire device weighs only 115 grams (almost half that of a regular iPhone 15 pro max) and was developed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, a brand that creates exquisite and incredibly expensive devices.
On the front panel there is a 2.88-inch touch screen, a button that can be pressed to talk to the style of the machine. Humane AI icon and a 360-degree rotating camera ready for video calls. There is also a scroll wheel that allows users to quickly move between task cards on the screen. Rabbit is quite optimistic about the package, saying that the R1 can outperform flagship smartphones in performing tasks.
AI, apps and smartphone replacement
But design is only half the battle, as the R1 is all about artificial intelligence. Instead of using the Large Language Model (LLM) offered by companies like Meta, the operating system that powers the device is based on Rabbit’s internal core model, called the Large Action Model (LAM), and is the secret sauce to all of the device’s AI-powered intelligent shenanigans . .
The Los Angeles-based company claims that Rabbit OS can understand what users want, manipulate screens and buttons, and perform tasks for the user, like a helpful assistant. All you have to do is hold the device, bring it to your mouth and say a voice command. R1 aims to achieve this by learning the interface of a mobile app, storing it on a cloud platform, and then running the same task when the user says the appropriate voice command.
Problems are solved by “rabbits” or AI agents. They will do what Alexa and Siri cannot. For example, they can book tickets online after extensive web research or download an online grocery cart and pay for it. At launch, this training and duplication capability will be available for the “most popular apps.” But the best part here is the potential for training flexibility.
Remember Siri shortcuts and custom routines from Android apps? Well, Rabbit has an experimental feature in development that allows users to create their own AI agent, also known as a “bunny,” that will perform specific tasks in apps of their choice. Powering the Rabbit R1 is MediaTek’s Helio P35, which is helped by 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
Focus on privacy
There’s a USB-C port for charging, and the battery is said to last all day. The company also makes bold claims about privacy. R1 does not store login credentials. Let’s say you have Uber installed on your phone. R1 will learn your task flow and then execute it using voice commands in the future, but your login identity will still be verified against Uber’s servers.
Users will also be able to delete all data stored in them at will and assign tasks that may or may not be implemented by AI agents called “rabbits.” R1 also pays special attention to the privacy aspect that the world faces. The R1 only starts listening once the physical button is pressed, while the camera is pointed downwards by default.
The Rabbit R1 is currently only available in the US and will be available on the company’s official website. Pre-orders are now available, with delivery scheduled for March.
Source: Digital Trends
