The Rabbit R1doesn’t have a lot of capabilities that your phone already has. It doesn’t send emails for you. It can’t set calendar reminders or alarms. It can’t connect to any apps outside a select four that includes Spotify, Uber, DoorDash, and Midjourney. All those features may be coming in the future, but if you’re wondering why it’s not simply another AI app, a few tech bloggers managed to do just that by taking a leaked version of the Rabbit APK and run it on Android with relatively little effort. Now Rabbit’s CEO Jesse Lyu has come out to defend his $200 AI doohickey’s “bespoke” code that requires Rabbit’s own hardware.
Wegovy and Ozempic: Are we ready for weight loss drugs?
Off
English
Like the $700 Humane AI Pin before it, early reviews of the little orange Rabbit R1 and its AI assistant haven’t exactly been glowing. However, going one step further tech blogger Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority claimed he and his team managed to get Rabbit’s OS working on a Pixel 6 phone. This was using a supposedly leaked launcher APK, which Rahman managed to translate directly into an Android app.
Rabbit R1 on phone
The Rabbit R1’s screen is a mere 2.88 inches, and of such a low resolution that it only appears in the top corner of the Pixel 6 phone’s display. While it answers a basic question, Rahman didn’t test if the Rabbit’s vision or app functions worked on the phone. Still, Android Authority claimed they could sign in to a Rabbithole account (the main account for your R1), which then could connect with what seems like the same UI that Rabbit uses.
Gizmodo reached out to Rabbit for comment early Wednesday morning ET, and we were directed to a statement from Lyu reading:
“Rabbit r1 is not an Android app. We are aware there are some unofficial rabbit OS app/website emulators out there. We understand the passion that people have to get a taste of our AI and LAM instead of waiting for their r1 to arrive. That being said, to clear any misunderstanding and set the record straight, rabbit OS and LAM run on the cloud with very bespoke AOSP and lower level firmware modifications, therefore a local bootleg APK without the proper OS and Cloud endpoints won’t be able to access our service. Rabbit OS is customized for r1 and we do not support third-party clients. After today’s OTA, we implemented multiple cloud verification improvements to validate the device/client requests. We reserve all rights for any malicious and illegal cyber security activities towards our services.”
To unpack what that means, Rabbit says its device is running on modified Android Open Source Project source code, and that its OS is operating from the cloud with firmware doing extra work on-device. From the looks of things, Rahman could access some Rabbit functions that simply connected the device to the cloud servers running the AI models, though he likely couldn’t access every single Rabbit feature. A few hours after posting his article, Rahman tweeted that his Pixel 6 version of Rabbit would no longer connect, which seems to confirm Lyu’s statement about new user verification requirements.
While it’s still unclear where Rahman received the APK, there’s been a link floating around for a few weeks for what was supposedly the leaked Rabbit source code. Those leakers called the very promise of the Rabbit “a blatant lie,” claiming that the device was simply running several automation scripts and that app connectivity was merely operating on a virtual machine.
But let’s ignore the Rabbit on Android debate. That’s not really the point. As Rahman himself said, tons of startups get their projects off the ground by relying on good ol’ AOSP with hardware that already supports the Android ecosystem. The Rabbit runs on the Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, a five-year-old ARM-based mobile CPU that can support LGE radio with up to 300 Mbps download speeds. Is that bad? No, not necessarily. Rabbit hasn’t lied about what the Rabbit is capable of, but the question we should be asking is does it do anything it claims to well enough to justify the asking price.
The device costs only $200 compared to the $700 Humane pin, which is partially due to open-source software coupled with less expensive hardware. The issue isn’t that the Rabbit is somehow scamming people with a fake phone, it’s more that it seems Rabbit should have waited before putting out its first product. Gizmodo has found the device has pretty terrible battery life, but just yesterday—less than a week after release—Rabbit put out an update it claims would increase the battery life several times over.
We at Gizmodo have had just 24 hours with it, and already we found that the device is so very, very limited in what it can do. It can answer basic questions and offer a bit more nuance on some queries than Siri. It also has basic vision capabilities that can answer some questions about your environment, but even those features seem rough. I turned it around selfie-style and asked the Rabbit to describe me. According to the Rabbit R1, I have a beard (correct, A+, no notes) but it also told me I was wearing a red shirt even though I was dressed in my standard drab black. It doesn’t have any GPS capability, but ask it for your current zip code and it will confidently tell you you’re miles from where you’re standing. I’d be very concerned about asking it for any important information like where the nearest hospital is.
Connecting to Spotify or other apps is an intense hassle that’s only made worse by the main controls on the device being your voice and a single button located on the side. Ask it to skip a song that’s playing, and Rabbit will ask you which song you want to skip. The answer should, obviously, be “the one I’m currently listening to.”
My colleague Dua Rashid will have her full thoughts on the Rabbit R1 this week, but after using it for a brief time, I can say that if it was an app, I wouldn’t even bother downloading it.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
