Excitement is in the air as the opportunity arises to pre-order an exciting new Pebble Watch. This announcement is bound to create a whirlwind of confusion for some and a thrill for others. Pebble holds the distinction of being a pioneer in the realm of smartwatches, debuting even before the original Apple Watch was unveiled. DailyHackly previously delved into Pebble’s story back in 2013. Now, the brand is making a comeback with two fresh models priced at $149 and $225, both set to ship later this year.

A Brief Overview of Pebble

Pebble emerged as a trailblazer in the smartwatch landscape, offering devices equipped with an e-ink display akin to those found on e-readers. Their Kickstarter campaigns made headlines by shattering previous funding records. Notably, the Pebble Time was once hailed as the most funded project in Kickstarter history. According to a recent check of Kickstarter’s top funded projects, it still holds impressive rankings, with Pebble’s various generations occupying the #2, #6, and #12 slots, showcasing the love consumers had for these devices.

The admiration for Pebble didn’t wane even after the brand was acquired by Fitbit in 2016. A following project named Rebble worked tirelessly to sustain functionality for existing Pebble watch users by providing app updates and serving as a replacement for some cloud services. As time passed, however, using Pebble devices became increasingly complicated, with both Android and iOS apps vanishing from official app stores. Guides on setting up a new Pebble device grew more intricate, but dedicated users persevered.

Now, under Google’s ownership of Fitbit, supporters of Pebble successfully advocated for the open-sourcing of the Pebble operating system, paving the way for a vibrant new generation of Pebble devices.

Who is Leading the New Pebble Watch Initiative?

The refrigeration of this endeavor is Eric Migicovsky, Pebble’s original founder. He expressed, “After using virtually every other smartwatch on the market, I continue to wear my Pebble daily. There’s simply nothing out there that rivals its features and extraordinary battery longevity. I genuinely wished someone would create a suitable replacement, but no one has risen to the challenge, and my collection of old Peggles is running low!”

In an AMA on Reddit about Pebble, Migicovsky emphasized that the team is small and that they are carefully managing their scope to avoid overextending themselves. With the operating system now being open source, inquiries regarding specific features were often met with comments like “Not yet, but that sounds like an excellent idea for someone contributing to the open-source PebbleOS!”

The new watches won’t carry the Pebble branding since Google retains the rights to that name. They will instead be called the Core Time 2 and Core 2 Duo. When a Reddit user queried about the difference represented by “duo,” Migicovsky humorously replied, “Du-over 😉”

Core 2 Duo ($149): An Improved Version of Pebble 2

The Core 2 Duo sports a black-and-white display along with a plastic (polycarbonate) casing available in both black and white, expected to commence shipping in July. It aims to emulate the original Pebble 2 in terms of aesthetics, although enhancements have been made internally, including sturdier buttons.

Here are its key specifications (differences from the Core Time 2 are highlighted):

• 1.2-inch, always-on e-paper display
• 30-day battery lifespan
• Includes a microphone and speaker, but lacks native support for voice calls
• IPX8 water-resistant (indicating it can withstand submersion of at least 3 meters, although the “X” signifies no dust resistance testing)
• Features for step tracking and sleep monitoring
• Physical button interface
• Compatible with standard 22mm watch bands
• Bluetooth capable
• No cellular or WiFi connectivity available
• Absence of GPS functionality
• NFC payment options not included (“Tough for a small company, sorry!”)
• No heart rate monitoring present
• Equipped with a barometer and compass, unlike the Core Time 2.

Core Time 2 ($225): A Superior Pebble Time 2

The larger Core Time 2 features a colorful touchscreen display and a metal frame. Its screen boasts a size increase of 53% and an 88% rise in pixel count over its predecessor, the Pebble Time 2, with deliveries anticipated in December 2025.

While it shares most specifications with the Core 2 Duo, it notably lacks the barometer and compass, which were included in the Duo as a special request from a friend according to Migicovsky during the AMA. On the plus side, it will include a heart rate monitor.

• 1.6-inch, always-on e-paper display
• 64-color display
• Touchscreen function
• 30-day battery endurance
• Incorporates a microphone and speaker, but without native voice call functionality
• IPX8 water-resistant (comparable to Core 2 Duo)
• Features for step tracking and sleep monitoring
• Physical buttons included
• Standard 22mm watch strap compatible
• Bluetooth enabled
• No cellular or WiFi capabilities
• GPS functionality absent
• No NFC payment options available
• No barometer or compass present
• This model will have a heart rate monitor, unlike the Core 2 Duo.

Comprehensive specifications for both models can be found here. Although GPS is not built-in, it’s worth noting that developers can utilize smartphone GPS for mapping or fitness applications—a common practice among minimalist wearables such as Whoop and certain Fitbits.

Compatibility with Charging Devices

Migicovsky clarified during the AMA that the new models will be compatible with chargers from previous Pebble watches. Users can continue using their old chargers, leading to amusing discussions about the value of retaining decade-old accessories.

The bundled charger will feature a connector compatible with a USB-C cable, meaning only the connector needs to be packed for travel rather than an entire unique charging cable. This design mirrors what Coros did with their Pace Pro and can be quite practical.

Company’s Vision for the Future

In response to inquiries regarding more color options, additional features, or future products, Migicovsky consistently reassured that the focus remains on current capabilities without making any long-term promises. To secure a new watch, pre-ordering appears to be a wise decision considering the uncertainty surrounding future availability.

The new watches will operate on an open-source system, encouraging developers to contribute desired features. Migicovsky provided access to a Discord channel for development coordination, stating, “All development occurs on Discord (https://discordapp.com/invite/aRUAYFN) and GitHub (https://github.com/pebble-dev/pebble-firmware).”

“We’re focused on producing innovative gadgets that we ourselves find appealing,” he remarked. “We have no immediate plans for mass-market products.” However, he made it clear that sustainability is a goal, with a vision for longevity that emphasizes endurance over time.