Rabbit Inc. went on a mission to create “the simplest computer” so intuitive that “you don't need to learn how to use it.” The company came out with a pocket-sized gadget called the Rabbit r1. It was announced at CES 2024 and apparently became an instant hit.
The r1 is a small gadget that tries to eliminate the need for users to open mobile apps to perform tasks. Rabbit designed the r1 in collaboration with Swedish consumer electronics company Teenage Engineering, and it's just as unusual as some of the latter company's music-creation gear.
Rabbit's r1 runs a custom operating system through a natural language interface, Rabbit OS, and features a Large Action Model (LAM) that learns platforms and interfaces.
The gadget can be trained on how to interact with apps and can memorize commands in its list of so-called “rabbits.” r1 is sort of like the hardware incarnation of a digital assistant that can do many things. It aims to be a seamless interface between the user and apps, with a focus on ease of use.
Introducing r1. Watch the keynote.
Order now: https://t.co/R3sOtVWoJ5 #CES2024 pic.twitter.com/niUmjFvKvE
— rabbit inc. (@rabbit_hmi) January 9, 2024
Rabbit's r1 is equipped with a 2.88-inch touchscreen and an analog scroll wheel. It also has a 360-degree rotating camera, far-field microphones, and a push-to-talk button. The latter is the primary way for users to communicate with Rabbit and issue commands. It's powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 SoC and has a SIM card slot.
This gadget sold faster than Rabbit expected
After Rabbit unveiled the r1 at CES, the company revealed on X that the device had already been sold out, with 10,000 units ordered on the first day. Demand for r1 far exceeded expectations, as Rabbit internally said they'd be happy if they sold 500 devices on launch day.
A second batch was added in stock, and the Rabbit r1 is now available for pre-order on the company's official website again. The gadget costs $199 and has an expected delivery timeframe of April – May 2024.
