Remember cutting-edge devices from sci-fi movies that anticipate your every need and desire? A voice command and you have a ride at your door or food on your table. Well, looks like this future is slamming on our doors already. The prototypes of personal AI assistants are already here. And we’re not talking about ChatGPT, though we’ll mention it too.
Rabbit Inc. recently announced Rabbit R1. It’s a stand-alone, pocket-size AI assistant. The device looks like a small smartphone with a touch screen, a push-to-talk button, an analog scrolling wheel, a 360-degree camera, and the Rabbit operating system. The developers specifically aimed to design a smart pocket companion with which you can chat and solve various tasks.
Let’s see what the technology offers and what’s in it for you.
Rabbit R1 AI vs. ChatGPT
Neural networks are becoming a routine for us: we tend to use smart devices and homes. It’s more convenient and time-saving. Technologies like ChatGPT help us automate simple tasks, brainstorm ideas, level up skills, etc. They are large language models (LLMs) trained to generate human-like responses in a conversational setting.
Such neural networks are designed to engage in natural conversations with users and provide useful and relevant information based on the input they receive. However, they can’t be called a personal AI assistant yet.
Large Action Model (LAM)
Rabbit R1 AI uses a different approach. It is a Large Action Model (LAM) aimed at achieving the result of the user’s intent. For example, you need a ride from work to home. ChatGPT will suggest what car rental services you can get in the area and their approximate costs, but that’s all. You will need to take the action from start to finish yourself. The Rabbit OS will not only suggest suitable services but book it for you automatically. You’ll just need to confirm the offer.
UI paradigm driven by Artificial Intelligence
That’s what ChatGPT and other models are yet missing: a possibility to take action and fulfill the request.
In one of our recent articles, we highlighted a new interaction framework based on user intent. The person submits an intent via voice or text, and the AI assistant provides the answer using its own way of solving the problem.
So far, smart algorithms have not been smart enough to make the paradigm complete because of usability problems: you need to be computer-literate and language-literate to get desired results from prompts. Rabbit R1 device is a step further in terms of that UI paradigm. Artificial Intelligence here is more like a companion, that you can chat with, give commands, and train.
A different way of training
To grasp that possibility, the Artificial Intelligence assistant in Rabbit OS is trained differently. It directly learns how people interact with applications, eliminating the need to translate the requests. The device aims to accurately recreate the interaction process, even if the initial UI is somewhat altered.
As LAM gathers information, it develops a thorough grasp of an application’s UI and user interaction, building a “conceptual blueprint”. The model functions as a bridge, connecting users to various services via the Rabbit’s interface.
No subscription
The device costs $199 and doesn’t require any subscription for using smart algorithms. ChatGPT also has a free version, but it can be unavailable at times, and you need the Plus subscription for $20/month.
What benefits this virtual AI assistant brings
Although the device doesn’t have any apps installed, it offers lots of possibilities.
- Light speed: developers claim the device is faster 10x times than ChatGPT. It may be marketing, but the truth is: you really cut lots of corners in the user flow and save time.
- Train your AI: you can train Rabbit to do tasks on the applications. Like generating images via Midjourney. Or anything else by just showing it a screen recording.
- Real-time surroundings analysis: the device analyses the environment via a camera and takes direct actions. For instance, you can direct the camera on your food ingredients in the fridge and ask to suggest a quick recipe.
- Inclusivity: people of a certain age or with special powers might find the AI assistant helpful. The device has one button and a scroll wheel with all features activated by voice. So that part of the target audience will have an easier time performing tasks.
- Less screen time: when you use your smartphone, you stare at the screen for a long time, doom scrolling the feed. You become addicted to visuals in applications. Rabbit R1 AI allows you to reduce screen time and solve tasks differently. It’s a great tech solution for those who want to be more present in their lives.
- Privacy: Rabbit R1 doesn’t listen to your surroundings constantly, and requires you to push the button to start the interaction. If you use the device to access other services, the authentication happens on their page, and the Artificial Intelligence assistant doesn’t store any credentials.
Possible drawbacks when using the R1 AI assistant
- Vocalization: you have to vocalize your every intent. If you are in a busy street or among other people, it’s inconvenient. Everyone will know what you’re doing.
- Internet access and cloud hosting: they are a must for the AI to function. So, when you don’t have Internet access or the company’s servers are unavailable, the device turns into a ‘brick’.
- Raw technology: this is still a prototype and needs lots of polishing. Right now, when performing some tasks, R1’s abilities are similar to any other smartphone AI assistant like Alexa or Siri.
Is it a leap forward?
The idea of a fully functional AI companion is not just a futuristic fantasy but a glimpse into what the future may hold. With the ability to anticipate our needs and streamline our daily tasks, the Rabbit R1 companion could be a game-changer in how we live, work, and play. One thing to remember is that this is not meant to replace your smartphone. It is a personal AI assistant which main feature is to do tasks.
Will it be a leap forward? Only time will tell. If you want to develop an app with Artificial Intelligence, reach out to us. Let’s build a cutting-edge project that helps people.
