Pebble Founder Revives Iconic Smartwatch Brand with Open-Source Initiative
Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, the groundbreaking smartwatch company that began as a Kickstarter sensation, has announced plans to breathe new life into the beloved brand. Despite Pebble’s acquisition by Fitbit in 2016 and subsequent integration into Google, Migicovsky has continued to use his original Pebble watch, sparking concerns about the device’s long-term viability without software updates.
In a surprising turn of events, Migicovsky has decided to revive Pebble rather than switch to a new smartwatch. After selling his messaging app Beeper to Automattic and departing from the company, he approached Google with a request to open-source the Pebble OS. In a move that has delighted the Pebble community, Google agreed, and the Pebble firmware is now available on GitHub.
Building on this momentum, Migicovsky is launching a new company, temporarily dubbed “RePebble,” with plans to ship new wearables that closely resemble the original Pebble devices. The focus will remain on the features that made Pebble unique: an e-paper screen, extended battery life, and a straightforward user experience.
“We’re not trying to reinvent Pebble,” Migicovsky stated. “Our goal is to create a spiritual clone that maintains the gadget-like nature and simplicity that Pebble users loved.”
The revival comes at a time when major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung have significantly advanced smartwatch technology. However, Migicovsky believes there’s still a market for Pebble’s distinctive approach.
Learning from past experiences, Migicovsky aims to keep the new venture sustainable and independent. The company will start with minimal staff and prioritize maintaining control to avoid the pitfalls that led to Pebble’s original downfall.
A key aspect of the revival is fostering an open-source community around Pebble OS. Existing developer groups like Rebble have already kept Pebble apps functioning, and Migicovsky plans to open-source new developments, encouraging community contributions.
While acknowledging the time required for the project to fully develop, Migicovsky is already working on hardware prototypes. He remains confident in replicating Pebble’s past success, with the ultimate goal of keeping the iconic smartwatch relevant and functional for years to come.
As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, this unexpected revival of Pebble demonstrates the enduring appeal of its unique approach to wearable technology. Tech enthusiasts and long-time Pebble fans alike will be watching closely as this new chapter in the Pebble story unfolds.
