Latest news with #RabbitR1
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Consumer AI Gadgets Will Come With a Whimper, Not a Bang
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Where are all the artificial intelligence consumer gadgets? Even a year ago, it seemed tech companies were working to incorporate the technology into every physical device, from coffee makers to vacuums, making 'AI-powered' hardware seem like it would soon be as ubiquitous as 'battery-powered' electronics. Typically, tech conferences offer a glimmer of these futuristic toys. Not all of them end up hitting the market, but it's where we can dream a little about new pocket devices or household robots taking on a greater role in our lives. You may be interested in So it was a little disappointing last week at Asia's biggest artificial intelligence conference, Taiwan's Computex, to find hardly any mentions of consumer-facing tech. Most keynotes focused on enterprise applications of AI, such as agents or automated manufacturing. Walking around the exhibitors' hall, the only thing that caught my eye were wireless computer mice shaped like cats. A few things seem to have changed. For starters, there's the reality that hardware engineering presents an entirely different set of physical challenges compared to tinkering with AI software. And a global trade war also makes it a risky time to launch a new gadget when it's unclear if consumers are interested. Companies also may be starting to pick up on the fact that while Wall Street is awash with global hype on the AI boom, it isn't exactly a selling point on Main Street. If anything, some of the executives speaking at the conference threw cold water on the next generations of these AI-first consumer products. Asustek Computer Inc. co-Chief Executive Officer Samson Hu told Bloomberg News that it will take another year or more for AI-powered PCs to go mainstream because the technology isn't quite there yet and macroeconomic uncertainty is impacting people's spending. There have been few compelling use cases for AI PCs so far, despite the mountain of promotion. Meanwhile, the graveyard of AI hardware that was supposed to transform our lives is already growing. The Humane Ai Pin wearable device — launched last year to much hype about how it was going to replace the smartphone — ended up receiving brutal reviews while being a fire hazard. The startup, run by two former Apple Inc. employees, stopped selling the Ai Pin earlier this year and was sold for parts. The Rabbit R1 assistant is another cautionary tale of the false promises of these gadgets. But that doesn't mean the future of AI consumer products isn't coming. OpenAI made the major announcement last week that it is working with legendary iPhone designer Jony Ive to launch something that takes AI into the physical realm for consumers. But even the might of OpenAI's technology and Ive's design prowess make whatever it is a far from certain bet. There were perhaps some lessons for the future of such devices from the gathering in Taiwan. During his keynote speech, Qualcomm Inc. Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon said that AI computers are at the phase where they will require the work of outside developers to make them appeal to consumers. The iPhone, for example, didn't take off immediately after it was launched. But it became essential to so many people because of the myriad apps developers built on top of it that we now use to hail taxis, order food or move around new cities. 'Really, the developer ecosystem is going to make this shift to AI PCs,' Amon said. He's right, and the same is true beyond just AI computers. For any revolutionary AI hardware device, and especially a smartphone killer, the more that global developers lead the charge to meet peoples' needs and solve small, everyday problems, the more likely they are to succeed. In this economy, maybe that doesn't mean repackaging the same old gadgets with shiny new AI labels. It means iterating and perfecting real use cases that incorporate the buzzy technology into devices and make our lives easier. And this will inevitably be a collective effort. AI is already transforming our world in small ways. I find asking ChatGPT to quickly translate phrases for me while on the go a lifesaver when navigating a new country. But I hardly want to shell out money to carry around a new device simply to access ChatGPT. The more the tech industry tries to slap AI onto everything and market it as a panacea for all our problems, the more I get a snake-oil salesman ick. The future of AI hardware won't come in a magical new gadget, it will be built by tackling these tasks one-by-one and not all at once. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Catherine Thorbecke is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia tech. Previously she was a tech reporter at CNN and ABC News. More stories like this are available on
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Jony Ive and Sam Altman are about to give us 'the coolest piece of technology the world has ever seen'
Learning from the past Attempts at AI-specific hardware have had a rocky start. The Humane AI Pin, a screenless wearable device launched in 2023, promised hands-free access to an AI assistant. However, it suffered from short battery life, overheating and sluggish performance tied to its cloud-based processing—ultimately falling short of expectations. The Rabbit R1, released in 2024, fared no better. Designed as a pocket-sized AI assistant with a physical scroll wheel and screen, it drew criticism for its inaccurate AI responses and inconsistent user interface. Above Rabbit Inc. CEO Jessie Lyu presenting the Rabbit R1 AI device (Photo: Rabbit Inc.) As an AI company first, OpenAI can learn from these failures and be the first to bring its products to the market using custom-designed hardware. With a world-class design team and firsthand expertise in AI software, the company is well-positioned to bridge the gap between sleek hardware and powerful intelligence. Furthermore, Ive's legacy of refining existing concepts—like turning the MP3 player into the iPod or the touchscreen phone into the iPhone—demonstrates his talent for breaking boundaries. Moreover, OpenAI has the potential to challenge Apple and Google in creating tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystems. Just as Google uses its Pixel phones to showcase Android's capabilities, OpenAI could do the same for its own models with dedicated hardware. Above Ray-Ban Meta glasses can access Meta AI's live translate and search functions when connected to a smartphone with the Meta AI app (Photo: Meta) Smart glasses and visual computing devices represent another promising area. Meta, for example, has teamed up with Ray-Ban to develop glasses that integrate real-time translation and AI-powered search. OpenAI could similarly redefine how AI is embedded in everyday experiences—especially if it controls both the interface and the intelligence behind it. With AI capabilities evolving rapidly, OpenAI's in-house hardware team may prove crucial in ensuring its next breakthroughs are matched by equally advanced, intuitive physical forms.
Phone Arena
22-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Jony Ive and ChatGPT's maker want to reinvent hardware — but didn't we already reject this idea?
OpenAI's next big thing... but what is it? Video credit – OpenAI OpenAI says this They've both said this device is going to be something different – something made specifically with AI in mind. According to Ive, people are "uneasy" with the current tech landscape and are hungry for something new. And hey, that might be true. But is this the answer? We've already seen attempts to create new AI-native gadgets, and let's just say the results haven't been great. Humane's AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 both promised the future... and kind of flopped right out of the gate. When AI-only gadgets crash and burn The OpenAI says this new device will be a level of consumer hardware we've never seen before . And with Jony Ive designing it, you can bet it's going to look and feel both said this device is going to be something different – something made specifically with AI in mind. According to Ive, people are "uneasy" with the current tech landscape and are hungry for something new. And hey, that might be true. But is this the answer?We've already seen attempts to create new AI-native gadgets, and let's just say the results haven't been great. Humane's AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 both promised the future... and kind of flopped right out of the idea behind the Humane AI Pin was simple : ditch the screen and let an AI assistant handle everything. No apps, no taps – just ask it to do things like make a call, send a message or look something up. It ran on its own OS, called CosmOS, and tried to be this ambient, voice-first helper. Same idea with the Rabbit R1. The R1 at least has a company still trying to improve it. Updates are coming and the team seems to be listening. But Humane? That project fizzled out before it even had time to figure out what it was. And even Jony Ive himself wasn't impressed. He called both products "very poor." Ouch. But I don't think their failure was just about bad design or buggy software. I guess it comes down to something much simpler: we don't actually need these things. Not yet, anyway. Same idea with the Rabbit R1. It showed up last year with a flashy keynote and wild promises . It wasn't just supposed to be smart – it was supposed to do everything your phone does, but better and faster. Except... it didn' R1 at least has a company still trying to improve it. Updates are coming and the team seems to be listening. But Humane? That project fizzled out before it even had time to figure out what it was. And even Jony Ive himself wasn't impressed. He called both products "very poor." I don't think their failure was just about bad design or buggy software. I guess it comes down to something much simpler: we don't actually need these things. Not yet, anyway. Are we even ready for this? From what we know, OpenAI and Ive are cooking up something screen-free, compact and smart enough to know your context – like where you are, what you're doing and how you're feeling. The goal? Make it feel natural like it just "gets you." Sounds cool in theory. But here's the thing – we kinda like our screens. We like to scroll, swipe, watch, text, snap pics and yes, doomscroll Instagram or X at 2 AM. Even if we complain about screen addiction, most of what we do on our phones isn't really about productivity – it's entertainment. And let's be honest, an AI device that just talks to you? It's not exactly YouTube or TikTok material. Without something fun or visual, it's hard to see people lining up to buy it. So yeah, maybe it's designed to break our phone habits, but if the replacement isn't fun or exciting, people just won't bite. Still, this one might actually work From what we know, OpenAI and Ive are cooking up something screen-free, compact and smart enough to know your context – like where you are, what you're doing and how you're feeling. The goal? Make it feel natural like it just "gets you."Sounds cool in theory. But here's the thing – we kinda like our screens. We like to scroll, swipe, watch, text, snap pics and yes, doomscroll Instagram or X at 2 AM. Even if we complain about screen addiction, most of what we do on our phones isn't really about productivity – it's let's be honest, an AI device that just talks to you? It's not exactly YouTube or TikTok material. Without something fun or visual, it's hard to see people lining up to buy yeah, maybe it's designed to break our phone habits, but if the replacement isn't fun or exciting, people just won't bite. I asked ChatGPT to imagine what an OpenAI device designed by Jony Ive might look like – and this is what it came up with. Feels possible, right? But we will see if the chatbot was actually onto something next year. Let's be real – this could be the first AI gadget that doesn't totally flop. And that is because it wouldn't just be slapping an AI model onto a fancy-looking box. Humane and Rabbit are more like interfaces to existing AI models. OpenAI's device, though, could be built with the model in mind from the ground up, meaning: Real-time functionality without relying on API calls. Personalized behavior that evolves with you. Maybe even a local, fine-tuned model for offline use. So instead of asking it to play a song or call a ride, it could learn your routines, understand your voice, read your mood and anticipate what you need – kind of like an AI brain in your pocket that just gets you. And then there's the design. Humane gave us a laser projector. Rabbit gave us a walkie-talkie vibe. Both were trying way too hard. But with Ive on board? Expect something clean, smooth and minimal – something that blends into your life without screaming "gadget." So yeah, I'm curious. I still don't think we need this kind of device right now, but for AI fans out there, this might finally be the one worth watching. If anyone can actually pull this off, it's this duo. Let's be real – this could be the first AI gadget that doesn't totally flop. And that is because it wouldn't just be slapping an AI model onto a fancy-looking box. Humane and Rabbit are more like interfaces to existing AI models. OpenAI's device, though, could be built with the model in mind from the ground up, meaning:So instead of asking it to play a song or call a ride, it could learn your routines, understand your voice, read your mood and anticipate what you need – kind of like an AI brain in your pocket that just gets then there's the design. Humane gave us a laser projector. Rabbit gave us a walkie-talkie vibe. Both were trying way too hard. But with Ive on board? Expect something clean, smooth and minimal – something that blends into your life without screaming "gadget."So yeah, I'm curious. I still don't think we need this kind of device right now, but for AI fans out there, this might finally be the one worth watching. If anyone can actually pull this off, it's this duo. What do you think? Would you buy a screen-free AI device? What would it need to do for you to ditch your phone (even just a little)? Let me know in the comments. So, you probably already got used to the idea that AI is here to stay, right? Just a couple of years ago, AI had nothing to do with our phones and now you can't launch a flagship without hearing the word at least ten times. It's in our phones, our laptops, browsers, apps – and just about every corner of the internet. I mean, AI's not coming anymore – it's already moved in and started rearranging the with AI evolving at lightspeed, it was only a matter of time before someone at the top said, "Hey, what if we built hardware around this thing?" And that is exactly what is happening. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, just teamed up with none other than Jony Ive – yes, the guy who helped design the iPhone, iPod and Mac – to build a new kind of AI-first deal, which includes around $6.5 billion in equity and past investments, brings in io, a startup founded by Ive. LoveFrom, Ive's design studio, will stay independent but will now lead the design of OpenAI's products – including the software yeah, the brains behind ChatGPT and the guy who shaped Apple's most iconic gadgets are working on something entirely new. Sounds like a dream team. But here's the big question: do we really need it? Because recent history shows us... maybe not.
The Verge
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Jony Ive says Rabbit and Humane made bad products
As Jony Ive and Sam Altman work toward an AI gadget for release in 2026, the former chief Apple designer called last year's Pin and R1 'poor products.' As Jony Ive and Sam Altman work toward an AI gadget for release in 2026, the former chief Apple designer called last year's Pin and R1 'poor products.' May 21, 2025, 7:02 PM UTC While announcing a reportedly $6.5 billion team-up on AI hardware between his startup, io, and OpenAI, Jony Ive spoke to Bloomberg and commented on last year's attempts at making AI hardware happen, the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin: There have been public failures as well, such as the Humane AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 personal assistant device. 'Those were very poor products,' said Ive, 58. 'There has been an absence of new ways of thinking expressed in products.' Our initial reviews certainly backed up Ive's impression, as David Pierce said the Pin 'doesn't work,' and called the R1 'a worse and less functional version of your smartphone.' Humane, which, like io, was lead by former Apple employees, has already disappeared into the mist of an acquihire by HP and shut down all AI Pins in February. The Rabbit R1 is still going, even if its 'large action model' hype and momentum appear to have dissipated. Earlier this month, the company added a memory log that can help its AI assistant have context for interactions. It's also offering a free a free trial of Intern, its 'upgraded AI-native operating system that coordinates multiple agents to get things done,' even if you don't own an R1, as it continues to work on rabbitOS 2.0. See More:
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Apple exec suggests you 'may not need' an iPhone in 10 years' time
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Apple's head of services Eddy Cue has suggested that users may not need an iPhone by 2035 The statement was made as part of testimony at the Google antitrust remedies trial on May 7 In context, the comments refer to the rising tide of AI Will we always use smartphones? It's a question every tech fan has asked. It makes sense that technology will keep evolving, but a phone-less reality is a little hard to imagine in a world where these devices are used for everything from paying for your groceries to streaming your favorite music. However, a new statement by a high-ranking Apple executive suggests the era of the iPhone could come to a close sooner than you might expect. While giving testimony at the Google Search antitrust remedies trial on May 7, Apple SVP and head of services Eddy Cue said: 'you may not need an iPhone 10 years from now'. The comment was made in reference to the changing nature of technology and the relative impermanence of tech products compared to other goods. As PhoneArena reports, the comments can be taken in a wider context as a recognition that the ongoing surge in AI development could force even the largest tech companies, like Apple, to adapt to unforeseen changes. Though the iPhone is the icon of Apple's product portfolio, it and the smartphone industry are still young compared to other industries – Cue highlighted 'oil' and 'toothpaste' as examples. The expected release of the iPhone 17 family later this year will mark 18 years of the iPhone, and with Apple itself offering a robust suite of AI tools via Apple Intelligence, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that software could take priority over hardware in the coming years. In fact, some device makers have already made attempts at producing AI-first gadgets, though these have generally failed to take off; the Rabbit R1 AI companion, for instance, landed on our list of the biggest tech flops of last year. Looking at the iPhone specifically, it's now pretty rare to see major leaps in hardware power between single generations. The addition of the Camera Control button and bump up to 8GB of RAM for the iPhone 16 family marked the biggest hardware upgrade for Apple's handsets in years, but we only need to look back at the tiny hop from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14 to see much smaller gradations of change. Apple Intelligence, however, isn't beholden to yearly release cycles - Apple can update it as and when it sees fit. Of course, the hardware still needs to be capable enough to run these AI tools, but otherwise, Apple has much more freedom to accelerate on the software side of things. As CNBC reports, Apple already makes about a fifth of its revenue from services, and while Apple Intelligence is currently free, there's nothing stopping the tech giant from adding premium tiers or charging for existing features in the future. So, while it honestly seems unlikely that iPhones will disappear by 2035, having hardware releases exist to support software developments and AI services seems like a pretty realistic outcome. For now, the era of the iPhone is still ongoing – be sure to check out our list of the best iPhones if you're thinking of picking one up yourself. Do you think iPhones will be around in 10 years' time? Let us know in the comments. Sony will finally launch its first 'Alpha' camera phone soon – here's what that could mean for the Xperia 1 VII Google Maps can now scan your iPhone screenshots to save forgotten places, but that gives me privacy chills The Samsung Galaxy tri-fold could have these 3 features in common with the Galaxy Z Fold 7
