Rabbit R1 AI Device Gets Major Overhaul with RabbitOS 2 Update

Rabbit Overhauls Its R1 AI Device With a Major Touch-Focused OS Update

The Rabbit R1, a dedicated AI device that received middling reviews last year, just received a major software update, overhauling the entire operating system, Rabbit Inc. founder and CEO Jesse Lyu said Monday in a video posted on X. In the video, Lyu acknowledges the R1's shortcomings, saying his team was overwhelmed by the hype and expectations the device received. Since then, the R1 has seen 30 updates but with rabbitOS2, the device's operating system is getting a complete overhaul. RabbitOS2 is a more touch-focused interface, letting buyers adjust additional settings with the touchscreen rather than relying on the scroll wheel. People primarily interact with the R1 via voice, and now they can see the flow of conversation on-screen and mute the AI assistant with buttons at the bottom. One criticism of the R1 was that people didn't know or understand the AI's full capabilities, as it was largely voice-controlled. A new tile-based user interface allows people to quickly see the various functions the R1 can do. By tapping that tile, users can begin interacting, where previously, they needed to ask the R1 to perform various functions. One criticism raised against the R1 was whether it was necessary in a world where almost everyone has a smartphone. With Creations, a new function in rabbitOS2, people can "vibe code" on the device. For example, using their voice, users can ask the R1 to code a custom game for them, and after a few minutes, it'll generate one. Users need access to Rabbit Intern, the company's AI agent, which can be accessed via desktop. It'll also be possible to install creations from other Rabbit users. The Rabbit R1 was released in 2024 amid massive AI hype. It was pitched as a dedicated portable AI device that would use its large action model to connect with various apps and do work on your behalf. The promise of an AI device that could navigate Spotify or call an Uber all through your voice helped Rabbit Inc. raise $64.7 million over five funding rounds. In reality, however, the AI model was buggy and the interface was confusing. Reviewers criticized the device as half-baked and too early. It also was released at about the same time as another dedicated AI device, the Humane AI Pin, which was also critically panned and led some commentators to conclude that AI devices were unnecessary in a smartphone world. It's hard to say exactly how much the dedicated AI devices market is worth because AI itself is being integrated across a whole suite of products, from washing machines to necklaces to smart glasses.

Rabbit R1 wants a second chance with the new RabbitOS 2 update

Rabbit R1 might be a name gone unheard for a while, but the company behind the AI device is trying to get a do-over. An update to RabbitOS 2 is rolling out today for the Rabbit R1, complete with a new look and updates to existing features for a more competent experience. In an 8-minute video posted on Rabbit's official Twitter/X account, the company made a relatively big announcement regarding an update to the software that makes the R1 work. The video didn't include any mention of a new device, and the now available OS upgrade will come as a free download for the model launched in 2024. The video highlights a few key changes to the overall RabbitOS UI in version 2. The touchscreen, for one, is becoming more functional with improved gesture controls. That includes a new Quick Settings screen similar to what's seen in Android or iOS. The Quick Settings screen offers access to volume, brightness, and cards for camera or text input. Conversation flow is now visible with detailed responses displayed on the screen. The conversation page also gives users the option to mute the microphone or expand the keyboard for follow-ups. A camera shortcut is now available, as well. The company also admits that Rabbit R1's capabilities are not clear to some users. RabbitOS 2 approaches capabilities differently and more concisely. The new "Card Stack" function in the Rabbit R1's update acts as a sort of app drawer. Scrolling through the cards will offer function options, like Magic Gallery, recordings, and Rabbit Intern. For those familiar, the option to aduibly ask the R1 to start one of these tasks is still available. The RabbitOS 2 update also brings some small changes to key functions. One given example is in the translations function. The feature will now offer full conversation transcripts and sync those with the Rabbit Hole -- a sort of user activity hub. Rabbit is giving vibe coders a new home in the update, too. The R1 Creations tool will house AI-coded apps and games from users, as well as give them the option to create their own with the Rabbit R1's AI model. The Rabbit Intern agent will create tools and programs based on prompts, but the value for vibe coders here is in the simplicity. It doesn't look like much else is needed other than the Intern and the R1 device. The company hopes that these changes will make the Rabbit R1 a more appealing device to existing and new users. The AI-driven tool hasn't exactly been a groundbreaking success, but maybe software will change that. Rabbit announced that RabbitOS 2 will be available for R1 users as soon as today.

Rabbit R1 Gets Major RabbitOS 2 Update - But Can Software Fix This Mess?

The Rabbit R1 update called rabbitOS 2 is here, and honestly, it needs all the help it can get. After launching as the first wearable AI device to massive hype, the R1 quickly became a cautionary tale about overpromising and underdelivering. Now Rabbit's trying to fix things with a complete software overhaul. What's Actually New in This Rabbit R1 Update The biggest change is a card-based interface that ditches the confusing voice-first system for something more intuitive. Instead of guessing commands, you can swipe through cards to find features like camera or translation tools. It's basically admitting the original approach was broken. The star feature is "Creations" with something called "vibe coding." Users can describe a tool or game they want, and the AI generates it directly on the device. Want a simple calculator or Tetris clone? Just ask and wait a few minutes. It's an interesting pivot from the original promise of seamless app integration to letting users build their own experiences. The Rabbit R1 update also includes visual conversation flow, better touchscreen support, and improved gesture controls. These aren't revolutionary features - they're basic functionality that should have existed from day one. The Numbers Tell the Real Story Here's the brutal reality: only 5,000 people out of 100,000 buyers still use their Rabbit R1 daily. That's a 95% abandonment rate for a device that generated $20 million in sales. Even CEO Jesse Lyu admits there was a "big gap between the high expectations of our users and the original software experience we delivered." This Rabbit R1 update feels like damage control more than innovation. Similar AI hardware like the Humane AI Pin has faced the same problems - overhyped launches followed by user disappointment and mass returns. Can Software Save Failed Hardware? The fundamental question remains: why does this device need to exist? The Rabbit R1 update doesn't change the fact that your phone already does most of these tasks better, faster, and more reliably. Dedicated AI hardware has struggled to find its purpose when smartphones can handle AI tasks just fine. Rabbit is offering free global shipping through September, clearly hoping this software refresh can attract new buyers. But the company would probably be better served explaining why anyone needs a separate AI device when affordable smartwatches already offer voice commands, notifications, and useful functionality. The Rabbit R1 update shows the company is still trying, which is more than some failed AI hardware makers can say. Whether rabbitOS 2 can resurrect a device with such fundamental issues remains to be seen.