The Rabbit R1’s first software program replace addresses its dismal battery life

Only a week after its preliminary launch, the Rabbit R1’s first software program replace is right here — and never a second too quickly. Proper on prime of the listing of enhancements within the OTA replace is “as much as 5x” improved idle battery efficiency, addressing a serious ache level for early R1 adopters. It’s additionally nice information for me, particularly, as a result of my R1 is continually out of energy.

In the present day’s replace consists of two elements: an OTA replace pushed on to R1 units and a cloud replace to Rabbit OS. Battery life is way from the one subject addressed — different highlights embrace an improved music playback UI, improved Bluetooth reliability, and a repair for a compatibility subject when the system is plugged right into a automotive that appears to have bricked at the very least one R1.

There’s additionally improved stability for the voice recorder, which is nice information as a result of I haven’t been in a position to get it to work in any respect. The replace is offered now for all R1 units — to obtain it, R1 homeowners solely want to attach the system to energy and Wi-Fi. I plugged mine in, turned it on, and the replace began downloading virtually instantly.

Impressions of the Rabbit R1 — each our personal and people of different — have up to now been lower than stellar. Nonetheless, the corporate appears dedicated to issuing frequent software program updates, and a repair for the dangerous battery life was essential. (I’ve taken to only leaving the R1 off if I’m not planning on utilizing it for some time as a result of the battery drain subject is so dangerous.)