Rabbit, the AI device maker behind the $200 r1 gadget, has launched “intern,” a powerful AI agent that works through web browsers to automate complex tasks like building websites, booking restaurants, and making purchases. The company is positioning itself as a serious competitor to upcoming AI hardware from Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, and Jony Ive, Apple’s former design chief, having shipped over 100,000 r1 devices with continuous software improvements since its rocky 2024 launch.
The big picture: Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu believes the future lies in AI agents that understand context rather than traditional app-based interfaces, giving the company an advantage over tech giants trying to retrofit AI into existing systems.
What you should know: The r1 device has evolved significantly since its initial lukewarm reception, receiving over 30 software updates that added features like multi-language translation, custom voices, and a “teach mode” for website automation.
How intern works: The new AI agent operates through standard web browsers and can perform complex tasks that current AI assistants cannot handle.
What they’re saying: Lyu draws sharp distinctions between rabbit’s approach and competitors’ AI integration strategies.
Competitive landscape: Rabbit faces increasing competition from major tech players but claims unique advantages in AI agent architecture.
Why this matters: Rabbit’s evolution from a criticized AI gadget to a platform for autonomous AI agents reflects broader shifts toward more contextual, task-oriented AI interactions that could reshape how we interact with technology beyond traditional app boundaries.