Rabbit Inc., known for its R1 AI gadget, has introduced a revamped user interface (UI) following criticism from design guru Jony Ive. The former Apple Chief Design Officer and OpenAI acquisition target, through his own AI startup io, has described the current generation of AI devices, including Humane’s Ai Pin and the R1, as "very poor products." Despite this, Rabbit has stayed afloat and continued to improve its R1 since its launch in April 2024, pushing out regular software updates and feature enhancements. The newly unveiled UI is characterized by a card-based design, reminiscent of the Wallet app on iPhones. This updated look is more colorful and better showcases the R1’s evolving feature set, making the device appear more engaging and user-friendly. For instance, the "r-cade," a digital mechanism that gamifies interactions with the R1, now feels more integrated into the overall experience. Users earn "carrots" through various activities, which can be redeemed for digital accessories to customize their AI chatbot, enhancing the toy-like appeal that Rabbit’s founder and CEO, Jesse Lyu, aimed for from the start. Lyu envisioned the R1 as a hybrid between a Tamagotchi, Pokédex, and walkie-talkie, a concept that the new UI seems to embrace more fully. Rabbit's persistence is noteworthy, especially given the tumultuous journey of its competitors. Humane, for example, struggled and eventually sold its intellectual property (IP) to HP. However, Rabbit has consistently shown resilience and a commitment to refining the R1. The device, initially notable for its bright, playful colors, has seen numerous improvements but remains hampered by hardware limitations. The current model uses a weak MediaTek Helio P35 processor with 4GB of RAM, leading to laggy performance and sluggish navigation. Users often find the scrolling and menu selection frustrating, and there's a hope that the new UI will address these issues through better optimization. One of the standout features of the R1 is its lack of a subscription fee, setting it apart from the Ai Pin, which required ongoing payments. Additionally, the R1 is now available on Amazon, potentially broadening its user base. Despite these positives, the $199 price tag may still pose a barrier, particularly in a challenging economic climate. It raises questions about whether the R1 truly offers enough value to justify its cost, especially when users could rely on their smartphones for similar functionalities. However, the R1's unique charm and toy-like nature continue to attract a dedicated user base. For enthusiasts, the device isn’t just a functional tool but a playful accessory that enriches their interaction with AI technologies. Lyu’s positive response to Ive’s criticism further underscores the company's determination to succeed. He views Ive as a hero and sees the criticism as constructive feedback, welcoming competition from both large corporations and other startups. Industry insiders have mixed reactions to the R1's latest developments. While some praise Rabbit’s innovative approach and the device's potential as a gateway to broader AI adoption, others remain skeptical about its sustainability. The R1’s playful design and gamified features might appeal to a niche market, but the hardware issues and high price point could limit its widespread adoption. Nonetheless, Rabbit’s commitment to iterative improvement and its ability to maintain user interest suggest it has a chance to carve out a unique place in the market. Rabbit Inc. was founded by Jesse Lyu, a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for blending technology with whimsical design. The company’s small, dedicated team has worked tirelessly to refine the R1, turning it into a more engaging and fun device. While the road ahead is uncertain, the R1’s latest UI update is a significant step toward achieving its vision of a toy-like, interactive AI gadget.