The Most Over-Hyped Project in the Tech World Right Now

I can’t decide if this is genius or dumb

Every year, in early January, tens of thousands of tech aficionados descend on Las Vegas for the Customer Electronic Show (CES). It’s an event best known for capturing the tech world’s current zeitgeist; 2023 was heavy on EVs and sustainability, while 2022 revolved around improved hardware and gaming setups. Unsurprisingly, CES 2024 was all about AI. AI for headsets, AI for babies, AI for pets… this year had it all.

Obviously, the press unofficially crowns winners and losers at the end of the event. There is a variety of opinions on the losers (Google seems to be getting a lot of votes), but the winner is indisputable; it’s the Rabbit R1.

In short, R1 is a compact, AI-powered handheld device designed to streamline daily tasks. You talk into it like you would a walkie-talkie (by pressing a side button), and get the Artificial Intelligence to autonomously execute tasks historically done through apps. This includes, as per the demo, planning itineraries, ordering food, or booking a taxi. Speak, then validate with a click, without browsing / tinkering. The device is equipped with a 360° camera that allows it to “see” and better answer questions regarding the physical world. Finally a piece of software accessible via a PC allows its…