Rabbit R1 Review: The Pocket-Sized AI Companion That Wants to Replace Your Apps
- Farman
- Sep 1
- 5 min read
Executive Summary - Rabbit R1 Review
Aspect | Summary |
Product | |
Category | Standalone AI Assistant / Pocket Device |
Key Feature | A dedicated, Large Action Model (LAM) powered device that performs tasks for you. |
Ideal For | Tech futurists, AI enthusiasts, and anyone feeling "app fatigue." |
Price Segment | Mid-Range (at $199) |
In a world dominated by smartphones, launching a new pocketable device is a bold, some might say foolish, endeavor. Yet, the rabbit r1 has captured the tech world's imagination. It’s not a phone; it’s a bright orange square powered by a revolutionary vision: to break us free from the tyranny of app-switching through a natural language interface powered by a "Large Action Model" (LAM). This review delves into whether this quirky device is a glimpse into the future of computing or a charmingly niche experiment.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience is minimalist and playful. Inside a compact box, you'll find:
The rabbit r1 device itself
A SIM ejector tool (for its 4G LTE option)
A USB-C cable for charging
Minimal documentation
Holding the r1 for the first time is a unique experience. Its vibrant "Lekker Orange" color and compact, square design (designed by Teenage Engineering) make it feel like a retro-futuristic gadget from a movie. It’s incredibly lightweight and features a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a scroll wheel/navigation button, a rotating "360° AI camera" (the "rabbit eye"), a push-to-talk button, and a speaker. The build feels surprisingly solid for its $199 price tag. The initial impression is one of curiosity and fun.
Technical Specifications Deep Dive
The r1's specs are humble, by design. Its power doesn't come from raw processing hardware but from cloud-based AI.
Feature | |
Processor | 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio P35 |
Memory | 4GB RAM |
Storage | 128GB |
Display | 2.88" TFT Touchscreen |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (nano-SIM), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Camera | 360° rotating 8MP "rabbit eye" |
Battery | "All-day" (1000mAh estimated) |
Audio | Single speaker, dual microphones |
OS | rabbit OS, powered by a Large Action Model (LAM) |
Key Technical Analysis:
The Large Action Model (LAM): This is the revolutionary core. Unlike a Large Language Model (LLM) that just generates text, a LAM is trained to understand user interfaces. It can learn how to perform tasks within apps (like ordering an Uber or booking a flight) and then do them for you through a natural language command.
The "rabbit hole" Web Portal: Instead of a traditional app store, you teach the r1 new skills by logging into services like Spotify, Uber, or DoorDash through a secure web portal. The LAM then learns how to navigate those services on your behalf.
Dedicated Hardware: The push-to-talk button, scroll wheel, and rotating camera are all designed for a purpose-driven, tactile interaction that’s a stark contrast to the infinite scroll of a smartphone.
Performance and Real-World Use Cases
Using the r1 feels less like using a computer and more like delegating tasks to a personal assistant.
1. Music and Media:Say, "Play me the new album by Vampire Weekend on Spotify." The r1 connects to your account and begins playing almost instantly. The scroll wheel controls volume. The experience is fast and frictionless compared to unlocking your phone, finding the app, and searching.
2. Information and Tasks:Ask, "What's the weather in Tokyo next week?" or "Translate 'where is the nearest train station' into Italian." The responses are spoken aloud and displayed on the screen, sourced from Perplexity AI for up-to-date information.
3. The Vision: "I need a ride to 123 Main St."This is the killer app. The r1, having learned how to use Uber via the rabbit hole, would theoretically book the ride for you, confirming the price and ETA. This hands-free, app-less interaction is the ultimate promise of the device.
Early Limitations: In its current state, the "action" capabilities are its biggest potential and its biggest limitation. The number of fully integrated services is growing but limited. The experience can sometimes feel slower than using a phone, and the vision capabilities are still being refined.
The Competitive Landscape
The r1 exists in a category of one, but it competes for attention in your pocket.
Feature | Smartphone with AI App | Humane AI Pin | |
Form Factor | Dedicated device | Multi-purpose device | Lapel-based projector |
Core Tech | Large Action Model (LAM) | Large Language Model (LLM) | LLM + Laser Display |
Interaction | Tactile buttons, screen | Touchscreen | Voice, gestures, laser |
Price | $199 | N/A (Uses existing phone) | $699 + subscription |
Goal | App-less task completion | Voice-assisted app use | Screen-less computing |
The r1’s advantage is its focused, affordable, and tactile approach. It’s not trying to replace your phone; it’s trying to replace the worst parts of using it.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Pros:
A Revolutionary Concept: The LAM promises a truly new way of interacting with digital services.
Affordable and Fun: At $199, it's an accessible entry point to cutting-edge AI.
Focused Experience: It eliminates distractions, forcing you to interact intentionally.
Great Design: The Teenage Engineering design is quirky, bold, and collectible.
No Subscription (Yet): The service is currently included with the hardware purchase.
Cons:
Unproven Core Technology: The LAM's effectiveness across a wide range of apps is still being realized.
Not a Phone Replacement: You still need to carry your smartphone for many tasks.
Early Adopter Pains: The software is evolving, with bugs and incomplete features.
Battery Life: Requires daily charging, especially with heavy use.
Niche Appeal: Its utility is currently greatest for tech enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
The rabbit r1 is less a finished product and more a compelling ticket to a beta test for the future.
Who Should Buy This?This device is a perfect fit for:
AI Enthusiasts and Tech Futurists who want to experience and shape the next computing paradigm.
Developers and Creators interested in building for the rabbit OS platform.
Anyone fascinated by the concept of a simpler, more intentional digital interaction.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Anyone seeking a polished, reliable, primary device. This is firmly in early adopter territory.
Users who need full access to all their specific apps immediately.
Those who expect it to fully replace their smartphone—it can't, yet.
The Bottom Line: Rabbit R1 Review - The rabbit r1 is not for everyone. But for its audience, it’s a mesmerizing glimpse into a potential future. It questions the fundamental assumption that we need to navigate complex app UIs ourselves. While the software has a long way to go to fully realize its ambitious vision, the hardware foundation is surprisingly delightful. Buying an r1 isn't about what it can do today; it's a vote of confidence in a world where our devices work for us, not the other way around.
Disclaimer: Some product images in this review have been taken from the brand's official website and other official promotional channels for informational and review purposes. All image rights belong to their respective owners.
Image Credit : Rabbit (https://www.rabbit.tech/)
Comments