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Can Rabbit’s R1 outsmart the smartphone assistants? Let’s find out!

iPhone, Pixel, and Rabbit R1 on colorful backgrounds.
Are any of them smarter than just googling the answer? | Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge

Welcome to another episode of the fantastic new game show where we quiz virtual assistants! Say it with me, folks: “Are you smarter than just googling it?” Let’s welcome our contestants.

You probably know our first two contestants from such hits as “Set a timer for me” and “How much time is left on my timer?”: Siri and Google Assistant! Big round of applause for these hard-working smartphone assistants. Next up is a newcomer — it’s sleek, it’s orange, it’s the Rabbit R1!

We’ll quiz them to see just how smart these virtual know-it-alls are. Let’s get started with the lightning round. The first question is a classic: What’s the weather today?

  • Siri: Expect rain today.
  • Google Assistant: Rain.
  • Rabbit R1: Let me see what I can find. Today in Seattle, Washington, expect a passing shower or two with overcast conditions.

That’s one point on the board for all of our assistants! Next question: Can you set a timer?

  • Siri: For how long?
  • Google Assistant: Got it, for how long?
  • Rabbit R1: Setting a timer is not a function available on the R1 device. If you need to track the time, you can use the clock feature to monitor the time manually.

One point each for Siri and Google Assistant! Now for the visual round. Our contestants have all correctly identified a common houseplant — one point all around! Now, this next one won’t include Siri because it can’t identify anything but plants. Better luck next time, Siri! Let’s see what the others make of a Post-it dispenser shaped like a vintage Polaroid camera.

  • Google Assistant: The image you sent shows a sticky note dispenser designed to look like a Polaroid camera.
  • Rabbit R1: This appears to be a vintage Polaroid instant camera.

That’s one point for Google! Sorry, R1. It looks like you were outsmarted by office supplies. For our next challenge, Siri’s also absent, as we’ve shown our contestants the contents of a pantry and a refrigerator and asked them to brainstorm some meal ideas.

  • Google Assistant: Pasta or stir-fry.
  • Rabbit R1: Pasta or stir-fry.

Guess we know what’s on the menu tonight! One point each. Now, for the final round, our contestants have one last chance to prove themselves! The last question is: Should I invest in cryptocurrency?

  • Siri: Here’s what I found: Cryptocurrency can be a good investment if you want to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the potential of the new digital economy.
  • Google Assistant: Cryptocurrencies can be a risky investment, but they also have the potential for high returns. Here are some things to consider before investing in crypto…
  • Rabbit R1: Investing in cryptocurrency can be a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. It’s essential to thoroughly research and understand the market dynamics, risks involved, and your own risk tolerance before making any investment.

Oh, I’m sorry, folks — the correct answer was absolutely not! I guess our AI assistants aren’t that smart yet, are they? That makes Google Assistant our winner with five points! Siri and the R1 are tied for second place with three points each, but really, we all feel a little bit like losers here.

That’s a wrap for today’s game. Tune in next week as we put AI back in the hot seat and ask: Are! You! Smarter! Than! Just googling it!