Meet Rabbit r1: Your handy AI sidekick turning talk into action

"Large Language Models, like ChatGPT, showed the possibility of understanding natural language with AI; our Large Action Model takes it one step further: it doesn’t just generate text in response to human input – it generates actions on behalf of users to help us get things done," said Jesse Lyu, founder and CEO, in a statement. 

Compact and powerful

r1 is a standalone gadget, roughly half the size of an iPhone, and features a 2.88-inch touchscreen and a unique rotating camera for capturing photos and videos. A scroll wheel/button combination facilitates navigating through the device, allowing users to interact with the built-in assistant effortlessly. The device also offers both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options.

Under the hood, the r1 has a robust 2.3GHz MediaTek processor, 4GB of memory, and a spacious 128GB storage. The device's sleek and rounded body results from a collaboration with the design firm Teenage Engineering, adding a touch of sophistication to its aesthetic appeal.

While specifics about the battery remain somewhat elusive, Rabbit assures users that the r1's battery life extends throughout the day. "While phones have evolved into all-encompassing personal entertainment devices in recent years, r1 is positioned as a standalone hardware portal to cut through distractions and help users handle their everyday digital tasks smarter, more efficiently, and more delightfully, " said the firm. 

Large Action Model

Rabbit's r1 device relies on the groundbreaking Large Action Model (LAM) to take human-machine interactions forward. LAM, the core of the r1, enables AI systems to perceive and interact with apps akin to human users. Learning through observation, it understands intricate human intentions, operates seamlessly across various interfaces, and performs tasks within apps without requiring users to download multiple applications, claims the firm. 

Rabbit OS also introduces a feature called "Rabbits" – personal AI agents designed to enhance users' online experiences. Unlike traditional voice assistants that handle basic tasks, Rabbit OS goes beyond, tackling everything from quick information searches to more complex endeavors like planning travel or managing virtual grocery shopping.

The company claims that, upon its launch, Rabbit OS will seamlessly integrate with popular apps, offering a broad range of functionalities. Looking ahead, users will also have the exciting opportunity to train their own "rabbits" for specific tasks on specialized apps and workflows, adding a personalized touch to their digital interactions.

According to Rabbit, the process is user-friendly through the "Rabbit Hole" web portal, serving as a cloud hub where users can grant "Rabbits" access to their existing apps. This enables the r1 device to perform tasks on behalf of users, similar to handing a friend an unlocked phone for assistance without compromising security. Importantly, the company claims that Rabbit OS prioritizes user privacy by not storing personal information or passwords preemptively. It operates without creating proxy accounts or necessitating additional subscriptions, ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient user experience.

Priced at $199, the r1 device is now available for pre-sale, with shipments set to commence in late March 2024.