Ambient Computing: AI Device of 2024: Rabbit r1’s retro-future design

Is Generative AI on a path to ambient computing?

Hey Everyone,

• I grew up thinking about ambient computing, the dream of having AI everywhere, across environments and experiences. In 2024, we might be taking little steps to that reality. Invisibly in the background? Almost…

• In its purest form, “true” ambient computing refers to a series of interconnected devices that work together seamlessly in the background via AI to assist with or automate everyday tasks.

• In 2024 we have Apple’s Vision Pro and the Rabbit r1 making us reconsider the future of consumer devices. While most of us won’t be able to afford (or maybe need) a Vision Pro for quite some time, the Rabbit is $199 and might help us use our phones less and accomplish more with A.I. on a daily basis.

The Rabbit R1, which learns and repeats how users interact with apps, has sold out of five pre-order rounds since launching in Las Vegas this month (January, 2024), which learns and repeats how users interact with apps.

Imagine for a moment an evolving “Large action model” Operating System that learns what apps you use and what actions to take next time you use them, just by voice-commands with AI. For gadget lovers like me, it has some appeal

The Rabbit r1 device also shows the innovation abilities of Chinese entrepreneurs. Rabbit Inc was started by Jesse Lyu Cheng, a Xian native who sold his previous start-up to Chinese AI giant Baidu. Baidu is among China’s AI leading companies. So Jesse is not new to the startup game.

Born in 1990 in Xian, capital of northwestern Shaanxi province, Lyu is known as a star tech entrepreneur, according to the SCMP, a Hong Kong based publications owned by Alibaba.

In a world craving a useful AI device, his retro-future design and voice-to-action implementation of Generative AI in a viable voice-interface device means Rabbit could become a hit. The device's creator says it can learn to operate apps on your behalf and it has gotten some consumers and AI evangelists and investors a bit excited.

Jesse’s last startup Raven Tech was a brand of smart speakers, acquired by Baidu in 2017 where the devices connect to the voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service DuerOS. JLC in a sense has updated this vision for the age of Generative AI with a more consumer friendly model.

AI’s Form Factor Becomes more Optimized for Humans

The story of Rabbit r1 is also the story of A.I. becoming more personal with an evolving interface.

❄️ Special Offer to Go Paid 🌨️🧊☕️⛄️

This offer expires after January, 2024 and is only viable for annual plans.

That amounts to $60 a year, a $5 a month price.