rabbit Inc. Unveils r1: The AI-Powered Mobile Device Set to Redefine User Interaction

At CES 2024, Los Angeles-based AI startup rabbit Inc. showcased its groundbreaking mobile device, the r1, aiming to revolutionize user interaction through an AI-driven interface, reducing reliance on traditional smartphones.

CEO Jesse Lyu introduced the r1 as the epitome of a “simplest computer” - a device designed to provide an intuitive, voice-driven experience without the complexities of app-based operating systems.

Addressing smartphone limitations, Lyu emphasized the inherent challenges of navigating through multiple apps and endless menus. To circumvent this, rabbit has developed the Large Action Model (LAM), a revolutionary AI Foundation Model, accompanied by rabbit OS, a proprietary operating system. LAM not only understands language but also executes tasks based on natural voice commands, replacing traditional app icons.

r1's LAM capability empowers users to accomplish tasks seamlessly by simply uttering commands like “Get me a ride home,” automating actions like ride bookings and complex multi-step operations, such as planning a vacation.

Crafted in collaboration with Swedish design firm Teenage Engineering, r1 boasts a distinctive physical design featuring a rotating 360-degree camera, a push-to-talk button, an analog scroll wheel, and 4G LTE support for global connectivity.

On the software front, rabbit OS, a Linux-based system, includes the rabbit hole portal, enabling users to access and log into third-party apps like Spotify or Uber seamlessly.

Notably, rabbit prioritizes user privacy, ensuring authentic logins for third-party services and no data tracking.

Pre-orders for r1 are available on rabbit’s website at $199, set to ship in early 2024, presenting a significantly affordable option compared to high-end smartphones.

With an additional $10 million funding secured in December, totaling $30 million led by Khosla Ventures, rabbit is poised to challenge the conventional app-based paradigm with r1 as the initial step.

Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures highlights LAM's potential to create billions of AI agents, envisioning a future where these agents conduct tasks on behalf of users.

If r1 fulfills its promises, smartphones may transition into entertainment-centric devices while AI companions like r1 handle day-to-day tasks, marking a shift towards a voice-driven future. rabbit is positioned to redefine computing, banking on user-friendly, AI-powered interfaces to shape the next technological era.