In January 2024, the Rabbit R1 burst onto the tech scene at CES, promising to revolutionize how we interact with AI. This $199 orange gadget, designed with Teenage Engineering, aimed to simplify tasks like ordering food or booking rides using a Large Action Model (LAM) instead of apps. Despite its buzz and 100,000 preorders, the R1 flopped. Its innovative idea was let down by rushed execution, buggy software, and a failure to stand out from smartphones. Here’s why it failed, yet why its concept still holds promise.
The Rabbit R1’s core idea was brilliant: a dedicated AI device to handle tasks hands-free, bypassing the complexity of smartphone apps. Unlike Siri or Google Assistant, its LAM was meant to act like a virtual butler, logging into apps like Uber or Spotify to execute commands. The device’s retro design, with a 2.88-inch touchscreen and scroll wheel, was charming and unique. It appealed to tech enthusiasts tired of monotonous smartphones, offering a fun, focused alternative for quick tasks. The vision of a simple, AI-driven gadget resonated, especially at a low price with no subscription fee.
However, the R1’s launch in April 2024 was a disaster. Reviewers, including Marques Brownlee, called it “barely reviewable” due to its unfinished state. It could only connect to four apps-Spotify, Uber, DoorDash, and Midjourney-and even those often failed. For example, DoorDash orders took too long or didn’t work, and Spotify drained the battery. The 1,000 mAh battery barely lasted a few hours, and the 8MP camera’s vision mode gave unreliable answers. Basic tasks like setting timers or sending emails were impossible, making the R1 less useful than any smartphone.
A major flaw was its rushed development. Rabbit’s CEO, Jesse Lyu, admitted the R1 was a minimum viable product, essentially asking users to beta-test it. The LAM, hyped as a game-changer, was underdeveloped, unable to handle complex tasks or learn new ones as promised. The interface was clunky, with a frustrating scroll wheel and no touchscreen input for navigation. Worse, a security flaw found by Rabbitude in May 2024 exposed user data, allowing access to all R1 responses and even the ability to brick devices. Rabbit’s slow response to this issue eroded trust further.
The R1 also struggled to justify its existence. Smartphones already have AI assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini, which perform similar tasks better. Reviewers noted that the R1’s features could have been an app, especially since it ran on a modified Android system. At $199, it was cheap, but carrying an extra device that did less than a phone felt pointless. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users calling it a “hollow box” and a “lie” after demos overpromised and underdelivered.
Despite its failure, the R1’s idea wasn’t doomed. Its vision of a distraction-free AI companion tapped into a real need. Smartphones overwhelm users with notifications and apps, and a dedicated device could simplify daily tasks. The R1’s design showed tech can be fun, not just functional. By February 2025, updates improved battery life, vision mode, and responsiveness, making it “fun but not very useful,” according to Tom’s Guide. This shows the concept could work with better execution.
The R1’s downfall was its haste. Rabbit rushed to beat competitors like Apple, which is set to enhance Siri with AI. Thorough testing, a robust LAM, and a clear value over phones could have saved it. Security issues needed addressing before launch, and more app integrations were essential. The R1’s story is a cautionary tale: great ideas need solid execution to survive. Future AI devices could succeed by learning from its mistakes, delivering reliable, focused tools that enhance, not replace, smartphones.
In the end, the Rabbit R1 was a bold experiment that fell short. Its charming design and innovative vision weren’t enough to overcome bugs, limited features, and security risks. Yet, its failure doesn’t mean dedicated AI gadgets are dead. With better planning and execution, the next R1 could fulfill the promise this one missed. Credit: Jesse Lyu, Rabbit Inc.