HAS Android Authority, Mishaal Rahman successfully downloaded the Rabbit Launcher APK on a Google Pixel 6A. With a few tweaks, he was able to run the app as if it were on Rabbit’s own device. By using the volume up key in place of the R1’s single hardware button, he was able to create an account and start asking it questions, as if he were using the $199 R1.
Rahman points out that the app probably doesn’t offer all the same features as the R1. In his words: “The Rabbit R1 launcher app is intended to come pre-installed in the firmware and have several system-level privileged permissions – some of which we were only able to grant – so some functions would likely fail if we tried. .” But the fact that the software runs on a mid-range phone from almost two years ago suggests it has more in common with a simple Android app than not.
Rabbit founder and CEO Jesse Lyu disagrees with this characterization. He made a long statement to The edge which we have partially cited below — it was also posted on the Rabbit’s X account if you want to read it in full.
“Rabbit R1 is not an Android app…Rabbit OS and LAM run on the cloud with very custom modifications to the AOSP and lower level firmware. Therefore, a local bootleg APK without the OS appropriate and Cloud endpoints will not be able to access our service. Rabbit OS is customized for r1 and we do not support third party clients.
The R1 is not alone; Humane’s AI pin also appears to run on a version of Android’s open source software. But it’s the R1 in the hot seat right now as the first reviews have started rolling in – and they’re not great, Bob. Rabbit released its first software update earlier today to address some complaints, including a rapidly draining battery. That the problem seems to be better controlled after the update; My R1’s idle battery performance is significantly improved after downloading the update this morning.
But the bigger problem is that the R1 just doesn’t do enough useful things to justify its existence when, you know, Telephone(s) exist. It seems this AI gadget could have just been an app after all.
Updated April 30 at 11:23 p.m. ET: Added a statement from Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu.
