Pebble’s Round Smartwatch Returns With a Reboot
▼ Summary
– The Pebble Round 2 is a new smartwatch that updates the decade-old Pebble Time Round with a larger 1.3-inch touchscreen and significantly longer battery life of up to two weeks.
– It features a full-face color e-paper display, dual microphones for AI and messaging features, and is available in black, silver, and rose gold stainless steel frames.
– The watch supports basic health tracking like steps and sleep but is not designed as a dedicated fitness or sports device.
– It includes interchangeable bands in two sizes (14mm and 20mm), with the company planning to offer several additional band accessory options.
– While its messaging reply feature is currently Android-only, iOS support is planned for the European Union in the near future.
The iconic Pebble smartwatch is making a comeback with a modernized version of its classic round design. The new Pebble Round 2 arrives over ten years after the original Time Round, featuring significant upgrades to battery life and display technology. This revival aims to capture the essence of the beloved brand while addressing key limitations of its predecessor.
A major point of improvement is the power source. Where the older model struggled to last beyond two days, the Pebble Round 2 promises an impressive two weeks of battery life on a single charge. The visual experience is also transformed. It swaps the small, bezel-heavy 1-inch screen for a much larger 1.3-inch color e-paper display. This new screen offers double the pixel count of the original and now extends fully across the watch face for a cleaner, more modern look.
Functionality extends beyond just telling time. The device includes dual microphones to enable voice commands. Users can interact with AI assistants and dictate replies to messages directly from their wrist. It’s important to note that the voice reply feature is currently exclusive to Android devices, though the company has indicated that iOS support, at least within the European Union, is in development.
The watch maintains a commitment to style with a slim stainless steel case offered in three finishes: black, silver, and rose gold. Band compatibility varies by color, with the rose gold model using 14mm straps, the black using 20mm, and the silver variant supporting both sizes. The manufacturer, Core Devices, has confirmed plans to release a range of additional band accessories, including leather options, for each size.
Potential buyers should understand this device’s intended role. The company explicitly states it is not built for intensive athletic tracking. While it includes basic sensors for monitoring steps and sleep patterns, the Pebble Round 2 is positioned as a general-purpose smartwatch, not a dedicated fitness tool. It houses an accelerometer and a magnetometer, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a straightforward, stylish wearable with a nostalgic connection to the Pebble name, rather than a replacement for specialized sports watches.
(Source: The Verge)
