Rabbit Unveils Redesigned R1 UI Despite Jony Ive's Critique

In the rapidly evolving world of AI gadgets, Rabbit is making waves with its R1 device, despite facing sharp criticism from design legend Jony Ive. Ive, known for his iconic work at Apple, has openly dismissed current AI gadgets like Rabbit’s R1 and Humane’s Ai Pin as "very poor products." Yet, Rabbit remains undeterred, continuously improving its device with new features and software updates.

Rabbit’s R1 is described by its founder Jesse Lyu as a “Tamagotchi-Pokédex-walkie-talkie” — a whimsical AI gadget that blends playful interaction with practical AI capabilities. Since its launch in April 2024, the R1 has received consistent updates, including the addition of the “r-cade,” a gamified feature that rewards users with "carrots" to redeem accessories for their AI chatbot.

Recently, Rabbit teased a redesigned user interface featuring a colorful, card-based design reminiscent of the iPhone’s Wallet app. This new UI aims to better showcase the device’s features and enhance user engagement by leaning into its fun, toy-like identity. The update could provide the R1 with a much-needed boost in appeal and usability.

However, challenges remain. The R1’s $199 price point may be steep for a gadget perceived as a toy, especially without a subscription fee. Additionally, users have noted that the device’s hardware—powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 chip with 4GB RAM—can feel sluggish, with laggy UI navigation and a cumbersome scroll wheel. Whether the new UI will address these performance issues remains to be seen.

Despite these hurdles, Rabbit’s CEO Jesse Lyu welcomes competition and holds Jony Ive as a hero, showing no signs of discouragement. The R1 may not revolutionize computing or replace smartphones, but it offers a niche, enjoyable experience that appeals to users who value playful, agentic AI gadgets. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always have to be serious to be impactful.

In a market crowded with AI-powered apps on smartphones, devices like the R1 carve out a unique space by offering tactile, engaging interactions that phones can’t replicate. Much like how musicians might prefer a dedicated synth over a phone app, or photographers cherish instant cameras despite smartphone cameras, AI gadgets like the R1 provide a distinct, fun experience that complements rather than replaces existing tech.