Tag: Eric Migicovsky

  • Pebble Watch Round 2: Delayed by Manufacturing Issues

    Key Takeaway

    – Pebble Round 2 mass production not yet started, causing further delays.
    – Shipments now expected to begin in July, with all pre-orders shipped by September.
    – Delay caused by a cosmetic defect (small indentation) from CNC machining.
    – Fix involves adjusting the die for metal injection molding to avoid the CNC cut.
    – Smartwatch priced at $199, features a 1.3-inch e-paper display, two-week battery, but no heart rate monitor.

    Production Pushed Back Again

    The Pebble Watch 2 is facing further delays. Specifically, the model is yet to enter mass production, even though the company is very close to starting mass production. This is affecting the delivery schedule: shipments of the Pebble Round 2 are now expected to begin in July. The plan is to have all pre-ordered units of the Pebble Round 2 shipped by September. Furthermore, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has stated that leather straps will be available in black and brown.

    Behind The Scenes of The Holdup

    An X post from Migicovsky explains the reason for the delay in considerable detail and with complete transparency. During a visit to China, a cosmetic issue was discovered, caused by the manufacturing process. This was a small indentation near the point where the strap lug connects to the case, which was caused by the CNC machining process. The aim is to correct this defect by adjusting the die for the metal injection molding and to simply avoid the CNC cut.

    Current Pre-Order Pricing and Features

    The Pebble Round 2 is still available for pre-order at a price of $199. The smartwatch will sport a 1.3-inch display capable of showing 64 colors and processing touch input. Thanks to its relatively energy-efficient e-paper display, it reportedly reaches a battery life of around two weeks. However, the Round 2 doesn’t include a heart rate monitor, a feature now almost standard on smartwatches.

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  • Pebble Time 2 Unveils Final Design and New Features

    Pebble Time 2 Unveils Final Design and New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pebble Time 2 features a fresh design with a curved stainless steel front and textured buttons similar to the Pebble Time Steel.
    2. It includes new enhancements like an extra microphone for noise cancellation, a multicolor RGB LED backlight, and a compass sensor.
    3. The watch has a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper touch display, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step tracking, and is waterproof.
    4. Customers who pre-ordered the Pebble 2 Duo can switch to the Pebble Time 2 but should not cancel their original order to avoid delays.
    5. The Pebble Time 2 is priced at $225, compared to the Pebble 2 Duo’s price of $149.

    The new Pebble smartwatches are advancing nicely, as Eric Migicovsky, the founder of the original Pebble brand and the current CEO of Core Devices, has unveiled the final design of the Pebble Time 2.

    A Fresh Look

    In a blog post and a 15-minute YouTube video, the new design of the Pebble Time 2 (previously called Core Time 2) was showcased, presenting a fresh look that differs significantly from what was displayed back in March during its initial announcement.

    The Pebble Time 2 now features a curved 316 stainless steel front that looks much improved compared to the earlier images. The back of the watch is crafted from the same material and is attached to the body using four screws. Although the number and layout of the buttons remain unchanged, the final version shows that they are textured similar to the buttons on the Pebble Time Steel, adding a nice touch.

    Features and Specifications

    Eric Migicovsky also presented a functional engineering sample but noted that the finish is not yet final. He mentioned that the watch will come in four different colors, although these have not been finalized yet. Once the colors are confirmed, those who pre-ordered the Pebble Time 2 will be contacted to select their favorite color.

    In terms of features, the Pebble Time 2 has picked up some additional enhancements, including an extra microphone that may help with environmental noise cancellation, a multicolor RGB LED backlight, and a compass sensor.

    Confirmed specs include a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper touch display shielded by a hardened glass lens, 22mm quick-release straps, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step tracking. It will also feature a speaker, a linear actuator motor, and it will be waterproof (IP rating yet to be determined).

    Pre-order Information

    The blog post indicated that those who pre-ordered the Pebble 2 Duo, which is expected to ship this month, will have the option to switch to the Pebble Time 2 if they choose. However, they are advised against canceling their Pebble 2 Duo pre-order as that would place them at the end of the waiting list. A link for a survey will be provided to facilitate this change.

    Buyers should be prepared to pay the extra amount since the Pebble Time 2 is priced at $225, in contrast to the Pebble 2 Duo’s $149 price tag.

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  • Core Time 2: $225 Spiritual Successor to Pebble Time 2

    Core Time 2: $225 Spiritual Successor to Pebble Time 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Core Time 2 is a premium smartwatch running on PebbleOS, continuing the legacy of the Pebble Time 2 from 2016.
    2. It features a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper screen with a flat glass lens and is compatible with existing PebbleOS apps and watchfaces.
    3. The watch supports touch input and includes four metal buttons for control, with a design that allows for interactive watch complications.
    4. It offers health tracking features like a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and a pedometer, and boasts a battery life of up to 30 days.
    5. The Core Time 2 is priced at $225, available in black and white, with limited quantities and expected shipping in December 2025.

    The Core Time 2 has been unveiled as the premium smartwatch running on PebbleOS by Core Devices, a company started by Eric Migicovsky. The Core 2 Duo is another model released alongside it. This new device can be seen as a continuation of the Pebble Time 2 from 2016.

    Display Features

    With a 1.5-inch (200 x 228) 64-color e-paper screen, the Core Time 2 features a flat glass lens to minimize glare, contrasting with the curved glass used in the Pebble Time series. It will be compatible with the multitude of apps and watchfaces created for PebbleOS; however, these will show a border due to the larger screen size of the Core Time 2. Developers are expected to address this issue through updates to their apps and watchfaces.

    User Interaction

    The display is encased in a metal frame and supports touch input, which is different from the Core 2 Duo model. A press release states that the touch capability will enable watch complications that can be tapped to access related apps, similar to what is offered on the Apple Watch Series 10 (currently priced at $329 on Amazon).

    Design and Specifications

    There are four metal buttons for controlling the watch, and it comes with 22mm straps, much like the Core 2 Duo. The smartwatch will also be water-resistant upon release, with specifications aiming for an IPX8 rating.

    The Core Time 2 is equipped with a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and a pedometer. Additionally, it includes a microphone, speaker, and a linear resonance actuator. Interestingly, the spec sheet does not mention a barometer or compass, both of which are features of the Core 2 Duo. The battery life is expected to last up to 30 days and can be charged using a standard Pebble charger.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Core Time 2 will retail for $225 and will be available in black and white, with a potential third color option. A companion app will be available for both Android and iOS devices. This smartwatch will be exclusively sold through the rePebble store and will be produced in limited quantities, with shipping expected to start in December 2025.

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  • Core 2 Duo: $149 PebbleOS Smartwatch with 30-Day Battery Life

    Core 2 Duo: $149 PebbleOS Smartwatch with 30-Day Battery Life

    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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  • New Pebble Watch Release Date: Closer Than You Think

    New Pebble Watch Release Date: Closer Than You Think

    Key Takeaways

    1. Eric Migicovsky is leading the development of a new smartwatch inspired by the classic Pebble Watch, following Google’s decision to open source PebbleOS.
    2. A countdown timer on the RePebble website indicates an announcement for the new smartwatch is expected soon, specifically tomorrow at 4 PM CET.
    3. The new smartwatch will keep the original Pebble’s specifications and features, including physical buttons for navigation, and will be compatible with existing Pebble apps.
    4. The device will work with both Android and iOS and has a battery life of up to a week, with color options in black or white.
    5. Pricing details are not confirmed, but it is expected to be competitive in the smartwatch market, potentially around $135, given the original Pebble’s historical price.

    Back in January, news broke that a fresh smartwatch inspired by the classic Pebble Watch was being worked on. This project is led by Eric Migicovsky, the man behind Pebble, after Google decided to open source PebbleOS. Now, almost two months later, it looks like the new smartwatch is getting closer to being unveiled.

    Countdown to Announcement

    The RePebble website, set up by Migicovsky, features a countdown timer that hints at the upcoming announcement of the PebbleOS-driven smartwatch. According to the timer, the reveal is expected to take place tomorrow at 4 PM CET, 3 PM GMT, or 10 AM PT.

    Specs and Features

    Eric Migicovsky has shared insights about the smartwatch, stating it will maintain the same specifications and features as the original Pebble while also introducing some new elements. Notably, it will not support touch input, relying instead on physical buttons for navigation. The new device will be compatible with current Pebble apps and watch faces, work with both Android and iOS, and boast a battery life of up to a week. Customers will have the option to choose between black or white colors.

    Pricing Expectations

    Details about the price remain unclear, but with the smartwatch market becoming increasingly competitive since the last Pebble was launched, it’s likely that the price will reflect its features. The original Pebble was priced at $99 at its debut in 2013, which is roughly $135 today when adjusted for inflation. Competing smartwatches like the Amazfit Active 2 (selling on Amazon for $99.99) mean the new PebbleOS watch will have to stand out when it arrives on the market.

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  • New Smartwatch Plans from Former Pebble CEO After Google Opens PebbleOS

    New Smartwatch Plans from Former Pebble CEO After Google Opens PebbleOS

    Many people fondly recall the Pebble smartwatches, which boasted features like an e-paper display, impressive battery life lasting multiple days, and a lightweight operating system known as PebbleOS. These watches were incredibly popular; in fact, the Pebble Time, the company’s second smartwatch, still holds the title of the second most-funded product on Kickstarter. Unfortunately, due to disappointing sales and a series of poor choices, as outlined by CEO Eric Migicovsky in a blog entry, the company was sold to Fitbit in 2016, which is now part of Google.

    A New Beginning for Smartwatches

    Since the Pebble 2 debuted in 2016, there haven’t been any new releases. However, Eric’s determination has led to the announcement of a new smartwatch that is inspired by the original Pebble line, although it likely won’t bear the Pebble name, which remains under Google’s control.

    In a recent blog post, Eric Migicovsky has disclosed that he is launching a new venture to create a smartwatch reminiscent of Pebble. This upcoming device will utilize PebbleOS, which Google has made open source and available on GitHub. So, credit is due to Google for this move.

    Exciting Features Ahead

    While the new watch doesn’t yet have a specific name, it will feature the same specifications and functionalities as the original Pebble, but will also include some exciting new additions. It will operate on the open source PebbleOS and will support all existing Pebble apps and watch faces.

    Eric has expressed that he has gained valuable insights from previous errors and intends for the new company to remain small and focused, without plans to seek outside funding or hire a large staff. The goal is to create a self-sustaining business that continues to innovate and keeps the Pebble legacy alive for years to come.

    Anticipation from Fans

    Details about the release date for this new Pebble-like smartwatch are still unclear, but enthusiasts of the original Pebble devices are eager for new hardware that offers the cherished software experience. However, since the operating system has been made open source, it wouldn’t be surprising if another company manages to launch a similar product before Eric’s own venture does.

    Moreover, the fact that the OS is open source means that current Pebble watch owners can still receive software updates, which will add new features and enhance their devices.

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