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The smartwatch industry has been rapidly expanding. With established companies bringing new smartwatches every other day, many smartwatch users don’t even know the pioneer of this sector. In early 2010, it was Pebble that pioneered the smartwatch industry with its e-paper displays and extended battery life that captivated tech enthusiasts almost instantly. However, this company didn’t manage to survive long with serious challenges blocking its path.
Later it was acquired by Fitbit and subsequently by Google. However, recent updates say Pebble is coming back, as Google has decided to open-source PebbleOS. This has paved the way for new devices to come, which will match Pebble's ethos.
This speculation about Google open-sourcing PebbleOS has been in the air for a long time. Last year, Pebble’s founder, Eric Migicovsky, asked Google if they could open-source PebbleOS. Well, immediately, Google didn’t respond, but in a surprise move, they did what the Pebble founder asked for. Recently, astonishing the developer community and Pebble enthusiasts, Google released the source code for PebbleOS on GitHub. PebbleOS is basically the operating system that powered the original Pebble smartwatches.
This initiative is taken to allow the community to access the core functionalities of the operating system. The tech enthusiasts can now access and modify the core features of the PebbleOS, including notifications, media controls, fitness tracking, and support for custom apps and watchfaces.
The open-sourcing doesn’t only help Google to preserve the legacy of Pebble but also encourages innovation by allowing developers to build new features and customize the platform. The community has accepted this move with massive enthusiasm, as it is opening new potentials for bringing updated applications and features that will enhance the original vision of the company and keep simplicity and efficiency.
At this juncture of Google's open-sourcing PebbleOS, Eric Migicovsky has announced the launch of two new smartwatches through his company. These two models include the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2. According to his statement, these two devices are designed in a way so they will capture the essence of the original Pebble watches while incorporating modern enhancements.
The first device that’s announced to come is Core 2 Duo. It will feature a 1.26-inch monochrome e-paper display and a polycarbonate frame. Currently priced at US$149, this Pebble smartwatch model showcases an impressive battery life for over 30 days. It completely aligns with Pebble's commitment to longevity. Additionally, it is coming with advancements like a built-in speaker to enhance functionality. Currently, preorders are open, and shipments are expected to start in July 2025.
The second upcoming model that will come this year is the Core Time 2. It offers a larger 64-color e-paper display with touchscreen capabilities. This model is presently priced at $225, and it aims to offer users a more interactive experience with a minimal aesthetic. Once again, pre-orders are available for this smartwatch, but the shipment will start in December 2025.
These are the models that Pebble is about to bring to the market, taking advantage of Google's open sourcing PebbleOS. That’s one kind of revival of the Pebble smartwatches after a decade with advanced technologies and design, but that completely aligns with its original aim. The company has still stuck to its principles of simplicity, extended battery life, and user-centric design. Even so, these upcoming smartwatches offer an alternative to some established counterparts in the market. Apart from that, the open sourcing will allow the community and developers to show their innovation and customization talent to shape the future of Pebble devices.
