Rabbit R1 Review: More Fun and User-Friendly than the Humane AI Pin

At CES this January, startup Rabbit introduced its first device, the Rabbit R1, perfectly timed for the lunar year of the rabbit. This charming little orange square is marketed as a "pocket companion that moves AI from words to action," functioning as a dedicated AI machine that connects users to a virtual assistant, akin to a walkie-talkie.

The Rabbit R1 resembles last year's Humane AI Pin, which had a less-than-favorable reception—receiving low scores from various tech outlets. Observing the aftermath of the Humane AI Pin launch, Rabbit's founder and CEO, Jesse Lyu, emphasized in his address during an unboxing event that their product offers distinct advantages.

What is the Rabbit R1?

The Rabbit R1 features a vibrant orange design, co-engineered by Teenage Engineering. It includes a 2.88-inch color display, an 8-megapixel dual-facing camera, and a scroll wheel reminiscent of the Playdate gaming console. Like the Humane AI Pin, the Rabbit R1 is intended to be your portal to an AI-powered assistant. However, it sets itself apart in several key areas.

Rabbit R1 vs. Humane AI Pin

The Rabbit R1 is not only visually appealing but also significantly more affordable at $199, compared to the Humane AI Pin's $700 price tag. Unlike the Humane AI Pin, which requires a monthly $24 subscription to function, the Rabbit R1 only requires a cellular service (4G LTE) or Wi-Fi, allowing users to use their SIM cards.

Beyond its cost advantage, the R1’s integrated screen enhances usability, making it easier to interact with. Users can scroll with the wheel and confirm options with a button, or tap the screen for voice commands.

Initial impressions of the camera performance were positive, with clear and vibrant images displayed on the device during a demonstration. Users will be able to capture photos, videos, and QR codes, and utilize a feature similar to the Humane AI Pin, which identifies objects in images. Lyu showcased how the R1 recognized scenes at an event, displaying its analytical capabilities.

Another element that distinguishes the Rabbit R1 is its playful personality. From witty feature names to an engaging retro aesthetic, the device feels vibrant and is designed to entertain with lighthearted AI jokes, contrasting with the more sterile feel of the Humane AI Pin.

While there were no mentions of the R1's thermal performance in comparison to the Humane AI Pin, the R1 does utilize an octa-core MediaTek processor, which raises questions about efficiency. The unit’s glossy plastic finish feels lightweight and refined, weighing just 115 grams, with a smoothly operating scroll wheel and a flush camera housing.

During the event, Lyu demonstrated the R1’s responsiveness, showcasing on-screen typing and a keyboard layout similar to that of the original iPhone, providing a seamless user experience.

What's Next for the Rabbit R1?

Rabbit is also promoting its Large Action Model (LAM), which interprets popular apps like Spotify and DoorDash for compatibility with the R1’s interface. Lyu acknowledged that the R1 may not be fully featured upon launch, but he outlined a roadmap that promises future enhancements such as an alarm, calendar, contacts app, GPS support, and more.

His vision appears to cater to tech enthusiasts and experimenters, offering customization options like a "teach mode" for generating macros based on user actions. This approach seems to draw a parallel to the dynamics between Google and Apple in the tech space, though the ultimate impact of the AI device race remains to be determined.

The event was hosted at the TWA hotel, a venue filled with retro gadgets that bolstered Rabbit’s nostalgic appeal. The carefully curated environment and the Rabbit R1's distinct characteristics suggest that Rabbit is poised to make a mark in the AI devices landscape.