The Rabbit R1 device has several obvious limitations in many aspects.
Firstly, in terms of network connection, it only supports Wi-Fi 5 and 4G networks. In the current environment where 5G is gradually becoming popular and the demand for high-speed networks is constantly increasing, such a configuration seems outdated. When users upload files to the cloud after taking pictures or making recordings, the network speed may not meet the requirements.
Secondly, the MediaTek P35 CPU it is equipped with has relatively weak performance. The memory configuration is 4 + 128. However, this processor could originally support a maximum of LPDDR4x 6GB of memory, but in reality, only 4GB of memory is selected. Although 4 + 4GB of virtual memory can be created through the system, this is ultimately only a temporary solution. For example, when running an offline AI large model locally, there may be situations of lag and slow response. This might also be the reason why the official has not implemented a local large model.
In terms of storage, it uses eMMC 5.1 and 128GB of storage, which is the maximum capacity of this specification. Although a nano card can be inserted, support for TF cards is not included. It is worth noting that this CPU can support up to 1T of TF cards. This undoubtedly causes inconvenience for users when expanding the storage space.
The screen is TFT with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz, guaranteeing a basic level of visual smoothness to a certain extent. However, in the current trend where high refresh rate screens are gradually becoming mainstream, 60Hz appears rather ordinary.
There are only 2 microphones, which is obviously too few. If it can be increased to 4 - 5, whether it is the noise reduction effect during calls or the recording quality during recording, there will be a significant improvement, thereby bringing a better user experience.
For the camera, only 8 million pixels are selected to achieve the rotating function, while the maximum limit of the CPU can reach 25 million pixels. The video shooting capability is limited by the CPU, with a maximum of only 1080p 30fps. Such video shooting capabilities are clearly difficult to meet the needs of users. It is hoped that AI technology can be used to make up for it to improve the shooting effect and video quality.
In addition, it is still equipped with a USB 2.0 interface in 2024, and the official has also disabled the USB connection. It seems that they are worried about users modifying the system or reading device information. But this approach not only limits the convenience of use for users but also the transmission speed of USB 2.0 is indeed seriously out of step with the times. Also, the battery capacity is too small, only 1000mAh. As a pocket companion, the official should make it a device with a replaceable battery, at least reaching 2100mAh.
However, compared to AI Pin, the Rabbit R1 has a certain cost performance at $199 and no other additional costs. Nevertheless, if it wants to be more competitive in the fiercely competitive market, significant improvements and enhancements are needed in aspects such as network support and hardware configuration.
For example, in terms of the network, it could consider supporting the updated Wi-Fi 6 standard to significantly increase the network connection speed and stability. In terms of hardware, increase the memory to 4 + 4G. In terms of the camera, appropriately increase the synthetic pixels to meet users’ higher demands for photography and video recording. But these are all afterthoughts. After all, for a newly established company, it is unlikely to obtain high-end hardware in the supply chain while controlling costs. I just wanted to complain. Moreover, this device currently seems to have no productivity at all and is purely a toy. Indeed, one cannot expect too much. There is also a concern that if the official does not set an offline mode for this device and the company goes bankrupt one day, this device will be completely useless. I do hope that your cloud services can be better, but the offline mode is a precautionary function. It can only be said that the Rabbit company still needs to keep working hard.
