When the Rabbit R1 first launched in 2024, it was a mess. Buggy, slow, and overhyped. I remember reading the reviews and thinking, 'This is DOA.' But then Rabbit did something rare: they actually listened. After months of updates and a hardware revision in early 2026, the new R1 is here. I've been using one for two weeks, and I have to say—I'm impressed. This isn't the same device from two years ago.
What Is the Rabbit R1?
For those who forgot, the Rabbit R1 is a standalone AI assistant device. Think of it as a pocket-sized smart speaker that can do everything your phone does, but with a simpler interface. It's designed to be an 'AI agent' that can book rides, order food, and control your smart home. The original vision was ambitious, but the execution was terrible. Now, in 2026, it's actually functional.
Hardware Updates: Smaller, Faster, Better
The new Rabbit R1 is smaller and lighter. The screen is brighter, and the battery lasts two full days with moderate use. The camera is updated, too—it can now scan barcodes and QR codes instantly. I used it to scan a product at the grocery store and it told me the price, reviews, and even suggested a cheaper alternative. That's genuinely useful.
AI Performance: The Real Test
The core of the R1 is its AI. Rabbit claims it uses a new model trained on real-world tasks. I tested it with common requests. 'Order a pizza from Domino's' worked flawlessly—it found my nearest store, remembered my usual order, and placed it in under 30 seconds. 'Book an Uber to the airport' took 10 seconds. 'What's the weather?' was instant. The latency is almost gone, which was the biggest complaint before.