Pricey AI “Device” Turns Out to Just Be an Android App With Extra Steps

App in Rabbit’s Clothing

The tech world has been abuzz with the latest developments from the secretive wearables startup Humane, which has recently faced a wave of disappointment over its AI Pin. This device, now notorious for its lackluster reception, is quickly becoming one of the most critically panned tech products in recent memory.

Not to be outdone, competitor Rabbit released its own AI-powered device, the R1. This gadget, while more affordable, has also struggled to impress. Tech critics, including those at TechRadar, have described the R1 as a “beautiful mess,” questioning its necessity in a market already saturated with capable smartphones.

Consumer feedback echoes this sentiment. Kimberly Gedeon from Mashable expressed regret in her review, and Marques “MKBHD” Brownlee found the device “barely reviewable.” The main point of contention lies in the device’s functionality, or lack thereof, especially when compared to a standard smartphone equipped with AI chatbot capabilities.

Indeed, the R1’s raison d’être has come under scrutiny after Android Authority revealed that the device’s operating system is essentially an Android app. This discovery suggests that the same functionality could potentially be experienced on more powerful hardware, casting doubt on the need for the R1’s physical form.

The sentiment that the R1 could have simply been an app is a perspective shared by Allison Johnson from The Verge, further fueling the debate about the device’s value proposition.

Pinned Down

Further investigation by Android Authority led to the acquisition of a bootlegged APK of the R1’s software, which, when installed on a Google Pixel 6a, functioned quite well. This revelation suggests that the unique selling point of the R1 may not be as exclusive as initially thought.

In response to these findings, Rabbit issued a statement on Twitter, emphasizing the cloud-based nature of their operating system and the specialized modifications made to the Android open source software (AOSP). Despite this defense, the question remains whether these features justify the device’s price tag.

Comparisons have been drawn with Humane’s AI Pin, which, despite being based on an open-source Android project, carries a hefty price tag of 0, not including the monthly subscription fee. This pricing strategy has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about the true value of these consumer AI devices.

The race to lead the emerging market of consumer AI gadgets is on, but as the current offerings show, there is still much to be proven before these devices can claim their place in the tech ecosystem.

More on the AI Pin: Humane’s AI “Pin” Is a 0 Flaming Dumpster Fire