First impressions of the Rabbit R1

We finally have some thoughts on the Rabbit R1 after its unveiling at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas this past January. Lucas Brown, editor at Medium has recorded his impressions in an article titled Rabbit R1: Ditching Apps, Embracing AI Companionship in Your Pocket or in Spanish, Rabbit R1: Ditching Apps, Embracing the Company of AI in Your Pocket.

In it he briefly reviews the most important points. which we have already seen in other articles and puts on the table some of the keys both for and against this gadget that seems to be attracting the attention of more and more buyers.

Below I leave you the translated article so you can draw your own conclusions about the opinions of the Rabbit R1.

Rabbit R1: Ditching Apps, Embracing the Company of AI in Your Pocket

Imagine a world where you don't need a dozen apps just to hail a cab, check the weather, or set a reminder. The Rabbit R1 appears, an elegant and minimalist device that boasts a novel approach: ditch the app-laden smartphone experience for a voice-activated AI assistant that lives in your pocket. With the Mediatek chip, there is next-level performance that can bring a new level of productivity.

Interested? I was too. Let's go down the rabbit hole and see if the R1 delivers on its promise of "move AI from words to action«.

First Impressions: Small But Mighty?

The R1 is surprisingly small, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. This pocket companion changes a touch screen with a 2.8-inch screen and a scroll wheel, focusing solely on voice interaction. This may seem restrictive, but there is a certain charm in its simplicity. Plus, the build quality feels surprisingly premium, with a sleek anodized aluminum body and a satisfyingly clickable scroll wheel.

AI Assistant: Your Friendly Pocket Rabbit

The heart of the R1 lies in its AI assistant. You interact with him using voice commands, asking him anything from "How's the weather?" to “Book me a train ticket to New York.” The wizard, appropriately named "Rabbit," responds with a clear, natural voice, and its natural language understanding is impressive. You can handle complex requests, follow up on questions, and even inject a little humor into your answers.

Beyond Basic Tasks: Your Productivity Companion

The R1 goes beyond checking the weather and hailing Uber rides. It can manage your calendar, set reminders, and even take notes by voice. The lack of distractions like social media notifications is surprisingly freeing, making R1 a powerful tool for focused productivity. It's especially useful for multitasking, allowing you to control smart home devices, listen to music, and even translate languages without using your hands. The Mediatek chip looks very interesting and can boost the potential.

But is it perfect? Not at all…

Despite its potential, the R1 is not without its flaws. The limited screen size can be restrictive for certain tasks, and the Reliance on voice commands can sometimes feel limiting. The closed ecosystem, without an app store, could seem restrictive to those accustomed to open smartphone platforms. Additionally, the voice assistant, while impressive, is not perfect. Misunderstandings and occasional problems can be frustrating, especially compared to established players like Siri or Google Assistant.

A Unique Proposal: For Whom the Rabbit Resonates

So who is the Rabbit R1 for? It is not a direct replacement for your smartphone, but a unique alternative for those looking for a simpler and more focused digital experience. ANDIt's perfect for minimalists, productivity enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to reduce app overload and screen time. Additionally, its focus on voice could be a plus for those with accessibility concerns.

Final Verdict: A Leap of Faith Towards a Simpler Future?

The Rabbit R1 is a bold experiment in reinventing human-computer interaction. It's not perfect, but its innovative approach, premium build, and focus on voice-powered AI make it an attractive option for those looking for a different path. If you're ready to ditch app overload and embrace a simpler, voice-powered future, the Rabbit R1 could be the companion you've been looking for.. Just remember, it's a leap of faith, and you might have to leave some of your digital baggage behind.

These have been the first opinions of the Rabbit R1 by specialists. And you do you think?