Key Takeaways
1. Core Devices has launched two new smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, following the public release of PebbleOS.
2. The new watches do not carry the Pebble brand name, as Google likely owns that trademark.
3. The Core 2 Duo is inspired by the Pebble 2 and features a 1.26-inch monochrome ePaper display, step and sleep tracking, and supports thousands of Pebble apps and watchfaces.
4. Key improvements in the Core 2 Duo include a speaker, upgraded Bluetooth chip, and additional sensors like a barometer and electronic compass.
5. The Core 2 Duo is priced at $149, available for pre-order, and will ship in July, but will not be sold in retail stores.
After almost two months since Google opened up PebbleOS to the public, the first smartwatches powered by this operating system have finally been unveiled. These new devices, called the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, come from a new company named Core Devices, which was started by Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of Pebble before it was acquired by Fitbit.
Not Pebble-branded Watches
It’s crucial to understand that these watches don’t carry the Pebble name, as that brand is likely still owned by Google. However, many people may still call them Pebble watches, which could contribute to their popularity in the market.
Core 2 Duo Specifications
The Core 2 Duo is the more affordable option between the two (for details on the Core Time 2, you can look elsewhere), and it is inspired by the Pebble 2 that launched in 2016. It features a 1.26-inch (144 x 168) monochrome ePaper display encased in a polycarbonate body, complete with plastic buttons on the side. The watch comes with a 22mm strap, though it doesn’t specify what material that strap is made of.
In addition to step and sleep tracking, which were available on the Pebble 2, the Core 2 Duo supports thousands of apps and watchfaces that were created for the Pebble ecosystem. Improvements over the Pebble 2 include a speaker, a Nordic nRF52840 Bluetooth LE chip, a stronger but quieter linear resonance actuator instead of a traditional vibrating motor, a barometer, and an electronic compass.
Pricing and Availability
You can get the Core 2 Duo in Black and White for $149. Pre-orders are already open, and the watches are set to ship in July. Unfortunately, they will be sold in limited amounts and won’t be available in retail stores, which means pre-ordering is the only way to secure one of these devices.
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