Pebble Founder Revives Iconic Brand with New Smartwatches
▼ Summary
– Eric Migicovsky, creator of the original Pebble smartwatch, has introduced two new devices: the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2.
– The Core 2 Duo is priced at $149 and the Core Time 2 at $225, both running on the open-sourced PebbleOS.
– Pebble was an early pioneer in the smartwatch market, selling over 2 million units before shutting down in 2016 and being acquired by Fitbit.
– The Core 2 Duo features an always-on e-paper display, physical side buttons, and up to 30 days of battery life, with a focus on essential functions and high customization.
– Migicovsky highlighted the passion behind the project, warning of potential imperfections but promising a fun and engaging user experience.
Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the original Pebble smartwatch, has unveiled two new devices that draw heavily on the iconic design and functionality of their predecessors. Named the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2, these smartwatches are set to rekindle the minimalist charm of early wearable tech, sans the Pebble brand name.
The Core 2 Duo, priced at $149, and the Core Time 2, at $225, are now available for preorder. These devices are spiritual successors to the Pebble smartwatches, running on the open-sourced PebbleOS, thanks to Google’s recent decision to release the operating system back to the community. This move is a nod to Pebble’s enduring appeal and the dedicated following it cultivated since its Kickstarter inception in 2012.
For those unfamiliar, Pebble was a trailblazer in the smartwatch market, predating both the Apple Watch and Android-based smartwatches. Despite selling over 2 million units, Pebble shut down in 2016, with its assets acquired by Fitbit, which was later absorbed by Google. Fast forward to 2024, Migicovsky’s aspiration to revive Pebble’s spirit led to the formation of Core Devices and the development of these new smartwatches.
The Core 2 Duo is essentially a modern iteration of the Pebble 2, featuring an always-on e-paper display and physical side buttons. The non-touch, black-and-white display is basic by contemporary standards, yet it supports essential functions like alarms, timers, and smartphone notifications via Bluetooth. Notably, the device boasts up to 30 days of battery life and offers a highly customizable platform with thousands of watch faces and the ability to create simple apps.
In his blog post, Migicovsky emphasized the passion-driven nature of this project, cautioning potential buyers about possible imperfections and delays but assuring them of a fun and engaging experience. The Core Time 2, although not detailed extensively, is expected to share the Core 2 Duo’s key specifications, promising a similarly nostalgic yet practical user experience.
These new offerings from Core Devices signal a return to simpler tech, with an emphasis on functionality, battery life, and user customization. The revival of PebbleOS and the introduction of these new devices could mark a significant moment in the wearable tech industry, appealing particularly to those who value utility and longevity over the latest high-tech features.
Source: TechCrunch
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