New Pebble Watch App Supports Older Models Too
▼ Summary
– Eric Migicovsky, creator of the original Pebble smartwatch, shared updates about his new company’s upcoming smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Time.
– The Core 2 Duo is nearing mass production, with pre-orders set to ship in July and August, and customers will soon receive emails about shipping and additional charges.
– The Core 2 Time, an upgraded version with a touchscreen and fitness tracking, remains on schedule for a late 2024 release, with engineering samples expected soon.
– Core 2 Duo beta testing is starting, with 200 units being sent to selected pre-order customers who opt in to test hardware, software, and mobile apps.
– Core Devices’ new iOS and Android apps will also support older Pebble watches, allowing owners to join the beta program and avoid relying on outdated software.
Tech enthusiasts still using older Pebble smartwatches have reason to celebrate, as the upcoming Core 2 smartwatch series will include app support for legacy devices. The announcement comes directly from Eric Migicovsky, founder of the original Pebble brand and now leading Core Devices, who shared updates about his company’s progress on a personal blog post.
Production of the Core 2 Duo smartwatch is advancing toward mass manufacturing, with preorders scheduled to ship in July and August. Customers can expect emails this month confirming final shipping details, including any applicable regional fees. Meanwhile, the enhanced Core 2 Time model, featuring a touchscreen along with sleep and step tracking, remains on track for a late 2023 release, with engineering prototypes expected within weeks.
A select group of early adopters will soon participate in beta testing, receiving one of 200 pre-production Core 2 Duo units. What makes this testing phase particularly noteworthy is its inclusivity, Core Devices isn’t restricting participation to owners of their new hardware. The companion iOS and Android apps will also support older Pebble models, including the Pebble Time (Steel and Round editions) and Pebble 2. This opens the beta program to longtime Pebble users who want to test the updated software ecosystem.
For those clinging to their aging Pebble devices since Fitbit discontinued support in 2018, this development eliminates the need for workarounds like sideloading outdated apps. While Core Devices focuses on its next-generation wearables, the decision to maintain backward compatibility demonstrates a commitment to the community that made Pebble a pioneer in smartwatch technology. Early testers can expect to evaluate not just the hardware, but also how well the new software integrates with both current and legacy devices.
(Source: The Verge)
