Over at Android Authority, Mishaal Rahman managed to download the Rabbit launcher APK file on the Google Pixel 6A. With some minor modifications, he was able to run the app as if it were on Rabbit’s own device. By using the volume up key instead of the single hardware button on the R1, he was able to create an account and start asking questions as if he were using the $199 R1.
Rahman points out that the app likely doesn’t offer the same functionality as R1. In his words: “The Rabbit R1 launcher is designed to be pre-installed in the firmware and granted several privileged system-level permissions – only some of which we could grant – so some features will likely fail if we try.” 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 regular Android app than with it.
R1 is not alone; The AI Humane pin also appears to work on the open source version of Android. But the R1 is hot right now because the first reviews are starting to come in – and they’re not great, Bob. Rabbit released its first software update today to address some complaints, including a rapidly draining battery. This issue seems to be better controlled after the update; My R1’s idle battery performance has improved significantly 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, phones exist. We have contacted Rabbit for comment on this matter and will update this article if the company releases a statement. Meanwhile, it looks like this AI gadget may have just been an app after all.
Credit : www.theverge.com
