Rabbit r1, the AI assistant gadget that generated significant buzz following its debut at CES, has seen its hype slow somewhat. Despite this, the device has received some notable updates. Here’s a detailed look at the latest changes and ongoing challenges.
Introduction of “Beta Rabbit” Mode
One of the key updates is the introduction of a new “beta rabbit” mode. This mode enhances the device’s conversational AI capabilities, particularly for handling complex or multi-step instructions. The update includes the ability to ask follow-up questions when the AI isn’t sure about a user’s request. For example, users can now ask:
“Beta rabbit, can you suggest three books similar to ‘The Power of Now’, including page length, year of release, and ratings, and save that as a note titled ‘Reading List’? Also, include pictures of the authors.”
Following this, the user might request:
“Beta rabbit, can you also get me summaries for those three books?”
While these advanced capabilities might seem impressive in a demo setting, their practical utility remains questionable. Tasks like setting a travel itinerary or finding product deals are highlighted as potential uses. Still, experiences with similar chatbots suggest that while they can perform well in demonstrations, their real-world usefulness often falls short. Chatbot-generated itineraries can be inconsistent and unpredictable, and the limitations of the device’s small screen can make comparing specifications and prices cumbersome.
Enhancements in Alarm and Timer Functions
The r1 also boasts improvements in its alarm and timer functionalities. Users can now set timers for various tasks, such as baking cookies. However, some of these features reveal limitations. For instance, setting a timer for “baking chocolate chip cookies” might not account for recipe-specific details like temperature and quantity. This could potentially lead to issues if the device lacks the context to provide accurate baking instructions. On the other hand, asking the device, “How long should two dozen chocolate chip cookies bake at 300 degrees?” is a more reasonable use case that the device can handle effectively.
Rabbit Anticipated “Large Action Model” (LAM)
Perhaps the most anticipated feature is the “large action model” (LAM), which the company first introduced in January. The LAM was promised to autonomously navigate phone and web app interfaces to complete user-chosen tasks. This feature was positioned as a significant advancement, but it remains largely theoretical. The capabilities demonstrated have not moved beyond initial demos and appear similar to what can be achieved through conventional API integrations or action scripting.
Rabbit Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the improvements, the r1 has not yet achieved its promised potential. The practical utility of its features is still under scrutiny, and the delay in delivering the much-touted LAM adds to the skepticism. Even though the gadget has seen limited use since its review, there is ongoing optimism about its future potential. Updates on the development of the LAM and further advancements are eagerly awaited. If and when these updates are provided, they could determine the gadget’s place in the market and its eventual usefulness.
