Tag: Pebble

  • PebbleOS Core Time 2 & Core 2 Duo Smartwatches with E-Paper Displays

    PebbleOS Core Time 2 & Core 2 Duo Smartwatches with E-Paper Displays

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pebble has launched two new smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, featuring the open-source PebbleOS and e-paper displays.
    2. The Core 2 Duo has a 1.26-inch display, 30-day battery life, step and sleep tracking, and is made of polycarbonate with IPX8 water resistance.
    3. The Core Time 2 offers a larger 1.5-inch touchscreen display, 200×228 resolution, and a more premium design with a metallic frame and buttons.
    4. Both models provide access to over 10,000 Pebble apps and include health tracking features like heart rate, step, and sleep tracking.
    5. Pre-orders are available for both models, with the Core 2 Duo priced at $149 and shipping in July 2025, while the Core Time 2 is priced at $225 and shipping in December 2025.

    Pebble smartwatches were anticipated to return with the previously announced PebbleOS. Now, PebbleOS has launched two new smartwatches featuring their signature e-paper displays, named the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. Let’s take a closer look at them.

    Core 2 Duo

    Eric Migicovsky, the Pebble smartwatch founder, has just revealed these watches from the Core series. The first one is the Core 2 Duo, which keeps the original Pebble design and operates on the open-source PebbleOS. It boasts a 1.26-inch black and white e-paper display and includes access to over 10,000 Pebble apps along with various watch faces. The watch is made with polycarbonate, ensuring it has IPX8 water resistance.

    This model features a microphone and can track your steps as well as your sleep cycle. One of the standout features of Pebble’s e-paper watches has always been their long-lasting batteries, and the Core 2 Duo takes this to the next level with an impressive 30-day battery life, a significant upgrade from the 7-day life of the Pebble 2. It operates on the Nordic nRF52840 BLE chipset and comes with more reliable buttons. Additionally, the Core 2 Duo includes a speaker, barometer, and compass.

    Core Time 2

    The Core Time 2 seems to be the more upscale option out of the two newly introduced models. Eric even referred to it as his “dream watch.” It features a taller 1.5-inch e-paper display with 46-bit colors, a higher resolution of 200×228, and supports touchscreen functionality. This model also provides various watch faces and access to over 10,000 Pebble apps. For a more premium feel, the smartwatch is constructed with a metallic frame and buttons, and it also has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.

    The Core Time 2 is available in two colors, black and white. Besides the extensive 30-day battery life, this model offers heart rate, step, and sleep tracking as well. It also includes a microphone, speaker, and a linear resonance actuator. The device is designed with a standard 22mm strap. Both models use the PebbleOS platform, which includes essential fitness tracking features.

    Pricing and Availability

    Both smartwatches can be pre-ordered at store.rePebble.com. However, inventory is limited, so production quantities are also constrained. Migicovsky recommended that buyers place pre-orders since sign-ups have already surpassed the available units. Pre-orders are fully refundable until shipping. The Core 2 Duo is priced at 149 US Dollars, scheduled to ship in July 2025. In contrast, the Core Time 2 is set to ship in December 2025 with a price tag of 225 US Dollars.

    Tags: , ,
  • New Pebble Watch: Key Hardware Details Unveiled

    New Pebble Watch: Key Hardware Details Unveiled

    The return of the Pebble watch has taken many by surprise. Originally launched in 2013, the Pebble smartwatch was part of a very successful crowdfunding effort, with prices starting at a budget-friendly $100. The Pebble brand was later acquired by Fitbit, which was then purchased by Google.

    Anticipation for the New Model

    What’s certain is that a new Pebble is said to be in development, but specific details about the features have not been disclosed yet. This leaves potential buyers in the dark about what to expect from the brand’s revival. Recently, CNET conducted an interview with Eric Migicovksy, revealing some initial insights into the upcoming device.

    Design and Functionality

    Sources indicate that the new Pebble watch will not include a touchscreen, opting instead for button controls reminiscent of earlier models. This approach sets it apart from the current trend in smartwatches that predominantly rely on touchscreens. The new design is expected to have a rectangular plastic casing available in two color options: black and white. Moreover, reports suggest that the watch will deliver an impressive battery life of up to one week.

    Sensor Capabilities and Pricing

    It appears that the upcoming Pebble will not introduce new sensor technologies, even though advancements have been made since the original watch was first launched. For example, many current wearables now include features like blood oxygen monitoring alongside heart rate tracking. As of now, Eric Migicovksy has not shared any information regarding pricing or a specific launch date for the new Pebble.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,