The Race to Create the "iPhone of AI" is Heating Up!

Summary

The video explores the emergence of AI-powered hardware devices like the R1 by startup Rabbit. These voice-controlled devices aim to execute tasks across apps via natural language, reducing clicks. The video analyzes Rabbit's technology, use cases, business model and industry landscape, noting smartphones may make standalone devices redundant if integrated AI improves. It remains uncertain if consumers will adopt voice-first hardware, but the video argues Rabbit's crowdsourced training data and modding community could make the R1's AI increasingly capable over time.

Takeaways

• 😲 Humane's pin device failed to convince anyone of its usefulness or viability
• 👀 Rabbit is a new player trying to make AI hardware devices like the R1
• 📱 The R1 aims to execute tasks by integrating with your existing apps
• 🔊 The R1 has a push-to-talk button for quick voice access without a wake word
• 💡 The R1's AI model combines neural networks and symbolic AI for task automation
• 💰 The R1 only costs $199 with no subscription compared to Humane's $699 price
• 🤔 It's questionable if people will adopt a separate voice-first device like the R1
• 🚀 The R1 could accumulate training data to eventually control any app via voice
• 💬 Microsoft and others seem interested in the AI hardware device space
• 📈 If successful, the R1 concept could alter how we interact with technology

Q & A

What was the first company to try to build AI hardware, and what happened with their product?

The first company was Humane. They unveiled an AI assistant device called the Humane AI Pin in 2023, but it has not been released yet. The product was supposed to replace smartphones, but it failed to convince anyone of its practical utility and the company has struggled, laying off staff and losing their CTO.

What is the Rabbit R1 device that was recently announced?

The Rabbit R1 is a small, portable AI assistant device created by the startup Rabbit. It features voice control and physical buttons to activate the AI and interact with apps on the user's smartphone to perform tasks or answer questions.

How does the Rabbit R1 work compared to other voice assistants like Siri?

The R1 uses a large action model rather than just a language model. This allows it to not only understand requests, but actually take actions across apps and services to fulfill the user's needs. It connects to the user's existing apps and accounts.

What kind of tasks can you ask the Rabbit R1 to perform?

You can ask the R1 to perform complex, multi-step tasks involving different apps/services like booking a vacation, ordering food, calling you a rideshare, controlling your smart home devices, etc. Basically anything that can be done through an app, the R1 aims to be able to execute through voice commands.

What are some of the advantages of the Rabbit R1 concept?

Advantages include very fast response times, hands-free operation for tasks that normally require manually operating a phone, and a low $199 starting price with no subscription fees.

What are some potential disadvantages or doubts about the Rabbit R1?

You have to carry another device that might not provide enough utility compared to just using your phone. Voice-first operation contradicts social norms. And there are still doubts if AI can reliably perform some sensitive tasks like booking travel or payments.

How might the Rabbit R1 improve over time?

As more users show the device how to operate new apps, it can aggregate that training data to expand what apps it can use. Software updates utilizing improved AI models could also make it more capable of understanding any app interface.

Why is Microsoft interested in this new category of AI hardware?

Microsoft sees significant potential for 'breakthrough natural interfaces' between humans and devices/services with these new large AI models. If hardware can be designed around conversation versus individual apps, it enables a whole new interaction paradigm.

How are new chips advancing on-device AI capabilities?

New mobile chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 enable real-time AI features solely within the device itself, rather than needing cloud connectivity. This makes experiences faster, more reliable, and more private - key advantages.

What is one open question about Rabbit's business strategy with the R1 device?

One question is whether the low $199 starting price without ongoing fees can sustainably fund the advanced AI capabilities Rabbit claims. There is skepticism if their funding andAI costs support this business model long-term.