Rabbit Sells 130,000 R1 Units, Claims Early Bugs are Mostly Fixed
Rabbit has sold an amazing 130,000 units of its R1 device globally. The R1's consumption doubles every two weeks, showing rising demand. Early tech evaluations were mixed, but most issues were addressed through regular upgrades.
Rabbit, an AI hardware firm, stated that it has sold an astonishing 130,000 units of its R1 device. Jesse Lyu, the company's CEO, claimed that the R1's usage is doubling every two weeks, showing that the product is becoming increasingly popular.
While AI software and service firms are growing, hardware startups such as Rabbit and Humane, who launched the AI Pin, have experienced substantial obstacles. Humane, in particular, has been dubbed a "flop" by The New York Times after reportedly selling only 10,000 AI Pins.
Rumours say that the corporation is currently considering selling itself. Rabbit, on the other hand, has had a different experience with its R1 device. During the Collision Conference in Toronto, Lyu stated that the business initially expected to sell 10,000 R1 units.
However, they have far exceeded their projections, selling an impressive 130,000 copies globally. Lyu noted that the R1 garnered mixed feedback from tech reviewers, owing primarily to early copies of the product being offered for examination.
However, he underlined that the organisation has been rigorously responding to the concerns mentioned by these reviews through regular updates. As a result, many of the initial concerns have already been addressed. The R1 is a small gadget priced at US$199 that has a small touchscreen, a microphone for voice instructions, and a camera for gathering visual data.
It can link to AI services over cellular or Wi-Fi, allowing users to ask inquiries and have actions taken on their behalf. Lyu provided a few usage scenarios for the R1, including navigating intricate parking restrictions in San Francisco and manipulating data in a spreadsheet. While these may be considered niche use cases, Lyu feels there is a demand for AI access outside of smartphones and applications.
"We didn't create the hype," Lyu said. "People are genuinely looking for something new." He compared the adoption of AI to the introduction of automobiles, recognising that new technologies require time to achieve traction. Just like cars were initially slower and less convenient than horses, Lyu believes that non-phone and non-app access to AI is vital and will eventually become more common.
When asked if he would change anything about the R1's introduction, Lyu said he had no regrets but recognised the need for greater expectation management in the future.
Rabbit has sold an impressive 130,000 units of its R1 device worldwide.
The R1's usage is doubling every two weeks, indicating a growing demand.
Early tech reviews were mixed, but most concerns have been addressed through regular updates.
Source: FORBES