The Rabbit R1: Is it really a smartphone killer?
The tech world is abuzz with the latest gadget that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with technology – the Rabbit R1. Billed as a portable, artificial intelligence (AI) digital assistant, the R1 is designed to handle everyday digital tasks and help users get off their phones and back into the real world.
But does it live up to the hype? After spending a few days with the device, tech editor Zoe Kleinman shares her verdict.
The Rabbit R1 certainly looks the part – a bright orange box with a sleek design and a big screen. It’s affordable, priced at £159, and doesn’t require a subscription. But when it comes to functionality, the R1 falls short in some key areas.
While the device can provide basic information like the time, weather forecast, and directions, it lacks key features like social media, messaging, shopping, and banking. The built-in camera can be hit or miss, often misidentifying objects and struggling to provide accurate information.
Despite its shortcomings, the Rabbit R1 has its supporters. Founder Jesse Lyu acknowledges that the device is a work in progress and is committed to improving it based on feedback.
Ultimately, the R1 may not be the smartphone killer it claims to be. As smartphone industry watcher Ben Wood points out, the smartphone is likely to remain the dominant device for the foreseeable future, with AI-powered innovations being integrated into existing devices rather than standalone gadgets.
In the end, the Rabbit R1 serves as a reminder of the capabilities of our smartphones and the convenience they provide. While the R1 may have its charms, it’s clear that it still has a long way to go before it can truly compete with the devices we rely on every day.
