Rabbit R1 Receives Major Overhaul with rabbitOS 2 Update, aiming for Redemption
LAS VEGAS, NV – September 12, 2024 – The Rabbit R1, a pocket-sized AI companion device initially met with criticism following its launch at CES 2024, is receiving a significant software update - rabbitOS 2 – in an effort to revitalize the product and address user concerns. The company, led by CEO Jesse Lyu, acknowledged a “big gap” between their initial vision and the actual user experience, and is now presenting the update as a “completely new” device.
rabbitOS 2 features a redesigned user interface, moving away from a voice-first system to a more intuitive, card-based design navigable via touchscreen or scroll wheel. This change aims to improve usability and clarity of the device’s functions, allowing users to easily access features like the camera and translation tools. The update also incorporates user feedback, adding visual representations of AI conversations and enabling combined voice, text, and image queries.
Perhaps the most significant addition is a feature called Creations, built around a concept the company terms “vibe coding.” this allows users to generate custom software by simply describing the desired tool or application to the device, with the AI agent creating it within minutes. This addresses a key criticism of the R1 - a perceived lack of clear functionality – and empowers users to personalize their experience.
Rabbit is currently offering free global shipping on the R1 through the end of September to encourage adoption of the updated software. The company hopes these changes will attract both new customers and regain the trust of those initially disappointed with the device.
[Twitter post Embedded Hear: https://twitter.com/rabbit_hmi/status/1965043739359097047]
It remains to be seen if rabbitOS 2 will be enough to convince early adopters to give the R1 a second chance, but the update represents a significant effort by Rabbit to deliver on the device’s original promise.