A Design Showdown: Jony Ive vs. AI Gadgets

The tech world is abuzz as Jony Ive, former Chief Design Officer at Apple, joins forces with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. These two titans of innovation are allegedly working on a series of cutting-edge AI devices at Jony’s startup, io, acquired by OpenAI for a staggering $6.5 billion. However, while the specifics of their gadget lineup remain shrouded in mystery, Ive has made one thing clear—he is not impressed with the current crop of AI gadgets, including Rabbit’s R1 and the now-defunct Ai Pin from Humane, which he dubbed 'very poor products.'

Rabbit's R1: Resilience Amidst Criticism

Despite the skepticism from design royalty, Rabbit is not backing down. This vibrant startup has been tirelessly enhancing its R1 device since its launch in April 2024, showcasing impressive updates that breathe new life into this playful gadget. And now, they’re teasing an entirely revamped user interface (UI) that could elevate the R1 to new heights.

A Whimsical New Look for the R1

On social media platform X, Rabbit unveiled a sneak peek of the upcoming UI, which features a colorful card-based design reminiscent of Apple's Wallet app. This fresh interface not only looks more engaging but also highlights the various new features Rabbit has rolled out over the past year. Those familiar with the device, myself included, are excited about this more whimsical approach. Rabbit's CEO, Jesse Lyu, has previously likened the R1 to a blend of a Tamagotchi, a Pokédex, and a walkie-talkie—traits that seem to be coming to fruition.

Gamification Takes the Stage: Enter the 'r-cade'

The introduction of the 'r-cade' feature gamifies interactions with the R1, allowing users to earn 'carrots' that can be exchanged for fun accessories for their Rabbit AI chatbot. This adds a playful element to the device, reinforcing that while it's an AI gadget, it's not meant to be taken too seriously. While it’s not going to replace your smartphone or redefine the computing landscape, the R1 serves as a delightful entry point into the expansive world of AI.

The Pricey Dilemma: Is $199 Too Much?

However, there’s one significant hurdle: the R1's $199 price tag. Unlike Humane's subscription model, Rabbit's device is available without ongoing fees and can now be purchased on Amazon. Yet, for many, this price might feel steep for a gadget that resembles more of a toy—especially in today's economic climate. Moreover, it's unclear if Rabbit plans to upgrade the hardware, which is crucial unless the new UI drastically improves performance. The current model suffers from a laggy interface, raising questions whether these issues stem from the device's weak MediaTek Helio P35 chip or the scrolling mechanism itself.

Conclusion: Will the New UI Be the Game Changer?

As Rabbit gears up for this fresh UI launch, tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to see if it will indeed smooth out the user experience. If successful, the R1 could transition from a mere gadget to a cherished toy for AI lovers—a fun companion in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.