It runs Android, so what?
Rabbit Inc. is right to use Android, or specifically as much of AOSP as it can. Forget about all the Google Play stuff—if you have something that needs to connect a mobile network, manage charge states, light up a touchscreen, work hardware inputs and a camera, and use an SoC in a power-efficient way, AOSP already does all of this for you.
Yeah, I’m not sure why the tech press is making a big deal out of the fact that the R1 runs Android. It’s basically a smartphone; why would Rabbit use anything else to run a device like this? It’s still cheaper (though lacking in features) than most Android devices.
Admittedly, I’m bummed about the reception for the R1 so far. I love its design, the hardware (yes, even the orange) and the software. I think the price tag is steep, but not entirely out of line. In many ways, it reminds me of Pebble’s smartwatches, which I was an early adopter of.
I hope Rabbit turns it into something compelling.