Rabbit R1— Finally Worth It?
TL;DR — In the beginning, the R1 felt like a bit of a waste — an overhyped gadget that didn’t deliver. But with steady updates and thoughtful improvements, it’s found its footing as a device I use daily. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. What matters is that it works, it’s focused, and it’s steadily getting better.
When the Rabbit R1 was first announced — I was intrigued. A standalone device dedicated to AI interactions? It felt like a glimpse of the future in the same way the iPhone did when it was announced. So, when it sold out almost instantly at launch, I wasn’t surprised. The buzz was real. But when the device finally arrived and the hype gave way to reality, it was clear Rabbit had a long way to go.
At the time, I didn’t even bother writing about it. The R1 didn’t live up to its promises, and while I enjoy experimenting with new technology, I couldn’t recommend it. But with regular updates, Rabbit has slowly and steadily transformed the R1 into something worth considering. And now, after months of use, I’m ready to talk about why this little device and why it has found a place in my daily life.
The Early Stumbles
Let’s be real — when the Rabbit R1 first launched, it didn’t live up to its promises. I distinctly remember thinking "whelp, this kinda sucks." Its responses were inconsistent, the interface felt barebones, the UX wasn't very intuitive and the entire experience left me wondering whether it had been worth the investment. Reviews weren’t kind either, and there were a LOT of them. Needless to say, the initial shine wore off quickly and the Rabbit went into a drawer for a while.
But what sets Rabbit apart is its commitment to steady improvement. Over time, through regular software updates, the R1 has evolved. It’s not flashy about its progress, but it’s effective—and that slow burn has turned it into something far more valuable than it was at launch.
Agents: The Game-Changer
What truly sets the Rabbit R1 apart from other AI devices is its innovative use of AI-driven agents, aptly named "rabbits." Disclaimer, I’ve ripped some of this information directly from Rabbit’s documentation for clarity. These agents are powered by Rabbit’s Large Action Model (LAM), a system designed to understand user intentions and seamlessly interact with various applications and websites to perform tasks.
Instead of requiring every platform or service to have its own API integration, Rabbit’s agents act as intermediaries, simplifying interactions across a wide range of tasks. This approach makes the R1 feel like a proactive assistant rather than a passive tool.
Key Features of Rabbit Agents
- Task Automation: The agents can handle practical, everyday tasks like ordering food, booking rides, or managing music playlists—all initiated through simple voice commands.
- Teach Mode: One of the standout features is the ability to “teach” agents. You can demonstrate a task to the R1, and the agents will learn to replicate those actions in the future. This makes the system feel adaptable and deeply personalized.
- LAM Playground: An experimental feature where agents interact with websites directly, showcasing the potential of a true cross-platform general agent system. This playground highlights the broader vision of Rabbit’s agents: to reduce manual navigation and streamline how we interact with digital tools.
Why Agents Matter
What makes Rabbit’s approach so exciting is the shift it represents. Instead of requiring developers to build specific integrations for every app or service, the agents use AI to bridge the gap. They learn, adapt, and execute tasks on your behalf, reducing the friction of switching between apps or struggling with clunky interfaces.
In my experience, this system has made the Rabbit R1 feel more intelligent and useful than many of its competitors. Whether it’s automating repetitive actions or simply handling requests in a way that feels intuitive, these agents give the R1 a sense of autonomy and capability. While the system isn’t perfect yet, the potential is undeniable, and it’s a glimpse of how AI might evolve in the near future.
Why a Dedicated AI Device Works
One common criticism of the Rabbit R1 is that its app could run just as easily on a phone. And that’s true—but for me, the point is not having it on my phone. The R1 is purpose-built and focused, and that focus is what makes it so effective.
Here’s what stands out:
- Consolidated Information: When I ask the R1 a question, it doesn’t just spit out the first Google result. Instead, it gathers insights from multiple sources and gives me a synthesized answer. It’s like having a personal researcher on hand—quick, efficient, and thoughtful.
- Understanding My Ramblings: I can ramble or think out loud, and it’s still pretty good at cutting through the noise to understand what I’m asking. That’s rare, even among AI tools.
- Non-Intrusive Design: Once it answers, it’s done. The R1 doesn’t demand more attention or lead me into a rabbit hole (pun intended) of distractions. It’s not like picking up my phone, where I might end scrolling through reddit and instagram for 20min when all I meant to do was google something. This device exists to help me, then gets out of my way.
Design That Delivers
Part of what makes the Rabbit R1 so enjoyable to use is its thoughtfully crafted design. Co-designed by Rabbit Inc. and Teenage Engineering, the R1 draws inspiration from retro gadgets like the Tamagotchi. Its distinctive, pocket-sized form factor is both nostalgic and modern, making it stand out from the typical tech aesthetic.
The compact design emphasizes portability, allowing you to carry the R1 with you or keep it unobtrusively on your desk. Tactile controls add to its charm, creating a user-friendly interface that makes interacting with AI feel surprisingly tangible. Combined with its customizable UI—where you can tailor the look and feel to match your aesthetic—the R1 strikes a perfect balance between functionality and personality.
In a world of devices that often feel cold or overly complex, the Rabbit R1’s design brings warmth and simplicity, making it a joy to use both in form and function.
Addressing the Criticisms
Some people have complaints about the R1—no full output visibility, no threaded history, and a lack of endless scrollability. But for me, those limitations are part of its charm.
When I ask a question, I don’t want to dive into a deep thread or get sucked into reviewing responses for hours. I want the answer, and then I want to move on. If I do want to revisit something later, I can head to my Rabbit Hole journal, where all interactions are stored for reference. This separation of immediate use and archival access keeps the device focused and non-invasive.
For me, it’s a refreshing contrast to the way I use my phone. On the R1, I’m not at risk of “accidentally” wasting 20 minutes scrolling Instagram after asking a quick question. It’s purpose-built—and it stays that way.
A Place in My Daily Life
The Rabbit R1 has quietly become one of my daily tools. Whether I’m asking it for a consolidated answer to a complex question or rambling my way through a problem, it’s there to help. It’s not trying to replace my phone or computer—it’s augmenting them in a thoughtful, minimal, specific way.
The R1 isn’t about flashy features or all-in-one functionality. It’s about simplicity. It gives me the answers I need without distractions, and that’s why it’s stuck around in my workflow.
Final Thoughts
I originally bought the Rabbit R1 as a low-stakes gamble. At $200 with no monthly fees, it felt like an easy way to try out something new. In the beginning, it felt like a bit of a waste—an overhyped gadget that didn’t deliver.
But now, it’s clear the R1 is more than that. With steady updates and thoughtful improvements, it’s found its footing as a device I use daily. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. What matters is that it works, it’s focused, and it’s steadily getting better.
I’m excited to see where Rabbit takes the R1 next—and even more excited to see what other dedicated AI devices might follow. If the R1 is any indication, this could be the start of something genuinely exciting.