Over the course of the past year, the technology industry has been buzzing with the introduction of various AI devices. Smartphones, laptops, and wearable gadgets are now claiming to heavily integrate generative artificial intelligence. The question remains, however, whether these AI gadgets are truly delivering on their promises.
Among these innovations is the Rabbit R1, a vivid orange device resembling the size and shape of a packet of sticky notes. This gadget features a compact 2.88-inch screen, a camera, a scroll wheel, and voice control. The concept behind the Rabbit R1 is to streamline tasks that are typically performed on a smartphone. Instead of navigating through numerous apps and notifications, users may simply issue a command to the R1, which will then carry out the request using its artificial intelligence technology, known as a ‘Large Action Model’.
Early enthusiasts such as Daniel Ko, a fractional CFO for AI startups, and Danny Cole, an artist, find the potential of the Rabbit R1 intriguing. Daniel Ko views the Rabbit R1 as a first-generation product that holds the promise of evolving into something as influential as the iPhone. However, he does acknowledge a certain level of uncertainty and inquisitiveness surrounding the capabilities of the device. Danny Cole also expresses an interest in a device capable of guiding users away from smartphones, indicating that traditional phones may no longer meet the needs of future generations.
In addition to the Rabbit R1, Humane, a company established by former Apple employees, has introduced the AI Pin – a wearable gadget that attaches to an individual’s clothing. Despite its price tag, the Pin is not meant to replace smartphones but rather seeks to provide a more focused connection with phones. It is designed to handle tasks such as sending messages, setting reminders, and searching for information, as an alternative to smartphones.
However, reviews of the AI Pin have largely been unfavourable. Technology critics have criticized its limited functionalities, unreliable AI-generated responses, and overheating problems, resulting in negative feedback from early users.
Despite these mixed reviews, certain users like Jonah Cohn have found specific aspects of these AI gadgets to be beneficial. He emphasized how the AI Pin promptly supplied him with information about a nearby event without the need to depend on his smartphone. However, others like Danny Cole were disappointed by the Rabbit R1’s inability to accurately identify a song based on his descriptions, leading to concerns regarding its reliability and usefulness.
As the tech industry continues to expand its offerings of AI gadgets, the question remains as to whether these devices will deliver on their promises. Early adopters and critics have voiced different opinions about the capabilities and practicality of these AI gadgets, raising questions about their reliability and real-world usability. While these devices show promise, it is evident that significant challenges remain to be addressed before they can become mainstream alternatives to traditional smartphones.