After a successful unveiling at CES, Rabbit lets journalists try out the R1: a small orange gadget with an AI-powered voice interface. This comes just weeks after the launch of the Humane Ai Pin, which is similarly pitched as a new breed of mobile device with AI at its heart.
While we're still waiting for in-depth reviews (as opposed to a first hands-on experience) of the R1, there are some pretty obvious differences between the two devices.
Most notably, the Ai Pin is screenless, relying instead on a voice interface and projector, while the R1 has a 2.88-inch screen (though it's intended to be used for much more than just typing on your WiFi -password). And while the AI Pin costs $699, plus a $24 monthly subscription, the R1 only costs $199. According to JS's Brian Heater, both demonstrate the value of good industrial design.
It sounds like neither the Ai Pin (which got a few). really scathing reviews) nor the R1 makes a completely convincing argument that it's time to replace our smartphones – or that AI chatbots are the best way to get information from the internet. But if nothing else, it's exciting that the hardware industry feels wide open again. Press play and let us know if you play to try the R1 or the Ai Pin!
