A design-led electronics company founded in 2005 by Jesper Kouthoofd, David Eriksson, Jens Rudberg and David Möllerstedt and based in Stockholm.
Beautifully designed items inspire creativity
Teenage Engineering is known for its focus on combining cutting-edge technology with a unique design aesthetic. They have gained a reputation for creating portable and unconventional musical instruments and audio equipment. One of their most notable product lines is the “OP-1,” a compact synthesizer, sampler, and controller with a distinctive design and a wide range of features.
In addition to the OP-1, Teenage Engineering has expanded its product range to include the “Pocket Operator” series, which consists of pocket-sized, battery-powered synthesizers and drum machines. These devices are not only functional but also emphasize a playful and portable approach to music creation.
Teenage Engineering has collaborated with various companies and artists, contributing to limited edition products and unique projects. Their commitment to blending creativity, functionality, and aesthetics has earned them a dedicated fan base within the music production and electronic music communities.
Bringing AI to the people
The latest designed piece from Teenage Engineering is actually a collaboration with tech startup RABBIT. This retro-styled Tamagotchi inspired handheld unit is your AI assistant in your hand. Now I know there have been a lot of very underwhelming AI assistants pop up, *cough* Humane *cough* but the Rabbit R1 looks set to take on the big players in 2024.
Unlike Humane, Rabbit don’t want you to bin your iPhone in favour of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a $200 pocket friend that connects to your favourite services (one time via the website), and then operates literally like your own personal assistant.
The keynote from Jesse Lyu was very “Steve Jobs”, even down to the style of gradient background used in the presentation, and overall it was very well received.
The Rabbit's initial run of 10,000 units sold out within hours
“The fun 90’s style of the device, gives it a playful nonchalance that works fantastically with the animation style of the on-screen Rabbit. With no monthly subscription costs, the Rabbit looks to have secured an army of fans on day one thanks to it’s partnership with design studio Teenage Engineering.
The issue I see is not with the device itself, but around the more fundamental question of AI… Will a user ever really be happy to offload the entire responsibility of for example; booking an entire holiday to a computer. The nuance around things like that, or ordering a pizza or booking an Uber… I don’t know…
I’m not sure if these will ever be functions that you’ll be happy offloading like that…?”
Kane Vato – Editor In Chief
Would you trust AI to book your holiday?
Assuming the system already had your credit card and personal details, would you be happy to allow a computer to book your flights, choose your seats, select a hotel, and make your restaurant bookings?