About the RabbitOS controversy and whether it is an Android application

We have been wondering since yesterday: Is RabbitOS an app that could run on Android?

Why isn't it an app? If you are a regular at follow the Rabbit r1 Discord or Twitter You've probably read this question a few dozen times. So much so that it has already become one of the Rabbit r1 memes after CONFIRM-CONFIRM-CONFIRM…

And it is that from the beginning and after the presentation of the device many users asked the same question. Was it worth taking out an entire device for something that was supposed to be possible to create as an app?

For me the answer is clear. On the one hand, hardware intervention was necessary to add a plus in terms of design and usability, and on the other —SPOILER— all RabbitOS cannot run in one application itself.

Android and RabbitOS

Mishaal Rahman through the famous website Android Authority, Has got download the Lacuncher del Rabbit APK on a Google Pixel 6A .

It must be said that with some adjustments, was able to run the application as if it were on r1 itself. He also configured his phone so that he could use the volume up and down keys like the Rabbit r1 hardware would do.

According to the author of the video, the application - and it is no surprise to anyone - does not offer all the same features as the r1.

He has said verbatim:

“The Rabbit R1 launcher app is designed to be pre-installed in the firmware and given several system-level privileged permissions (only some of which we were able to grant), so some of the features would likely fail if we tried.”
Mishaal Rahman
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The first thing that makes you think is that if this pseudo-application You can run RabbitOS on a mid-range phone. It would have been possible to create a single APK to run it and that's it, but

Rabbit Inc and Jesse Lyu's response

we are aware there are some unofficial rabbit OS app/website emulators out there. we understand the passion that people have to get a taste of our AI and LAM instead of waiting for their r1 to arrive. that being said, to clear any misunderstanding and set the record straight,…
—rabbit inc. (@rabbit_hmi) May 1, 2024

We are aware that there are some website/app emulators of unofficial Rabbit OS. We understand the passion people have to try our AI and LAM instead of waiting for their r1 to arrive.

That said, to clear up any misunderstandings and set the record straight, RabbitOS and LAM run in the cloud with heavily customized AOSP and firmware modifications deep level, therefore a local pirated APK without the proper operating system and cloud endpoints will not be able to access our service.

Rabbit OS is customized for r1 and We do not accept third party clients. Using a pirated APK or web client carries significant risks; Malicious actors are known to publish hacked apps that steal your data.

For this reason, We recommend that users avoid these applications Hacked Rabbit OS.
Author Name
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Of course and from here I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU DOWNLOAD ANY PIRATE APK WITH THE NAME OF RABBITOS OR RABBIT R1. The only thing you are going to achieve is that there will be people who want to take advantage of those who are in a hurry or are gullible.

As we see, they have been forceful. One thing is the Launcher or launcher in which the operating system operates and quite another is the RabbitOS itself, which cannot function correctly if it is not combined with the entire OS.

My particular opinion

I still think the same as at the beginning. I am very grateful that there are people with curiosity and enough knowledge to dedicate yourself to exploring and delving into the depths of the code of all these devices.

Of course, I also think that you have to be very, very cautious and tread carefully. For me, nothing has changed regarding my perception of the Rabbit r1 between yesterday and today. I still think it's perfect the way it is today.

It has a lot to improve, I think it came out soon and that what it promises is much more interesting than what it offers today, but also I think the form factor it has is going to help its background develops much better.

I don't think Android will be able to run what LAM offers at least in the short term. We will wait to see what the future holds and far from arguing, I plan to sit down and enjoy the spectacle that is to come in the coming years...