TechCrunch Minute: Rabbit’s R1 vs Humane’s Ai Pin, who had the best start?

Following a successful demonstration at CES, Rabbit is giving journalists the opportunity to check out the R1, a small orange gadget with an AI-powered voice interface. This comes just weeks after the launch of the Humane Ai Pin, which is similarly touted as a brand new breed of mobile device with artificial intelligence at the center.

While we’re still waiting for detailed reviews (slightly than initial hands-on testing) of the R1, there are some pretty stark differences between the two devices.

Most noticeably, the Ai Pin is screenless and relies on a voice and projector interface, while the R1 has a 2.88-inch screen (though it’s intended for way more than simply entering your Wi-Fi password). And while the AI ​​Pin costs $699 plus a $24 monthly subscription, the R1 costs just $199. Both, in accordance with TechCrunch’s Brian Heater, display the value of fine industrial design.

It seems that neither Ai Pin (who has some really scathing reviews) nor R1 makes a completely convincing argument that it is time to interchange our smartphones or that AI chatbots are the best strategy to get information from the Internet. But most of all, what’s exciting is that the hardware industry is wide open again. Press play after which tell us for those who’re playing to check out R1 or Ai Pin!