Pebble Smartwatch Creator Launches New Devices with Nostalgic Twist
Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of the Pebble smartwatch, is set to make a comeback in the wearable technology market with two new smartwatches through his company, Core Devices. The new devices, Core Time 2 and Core 2 Duo will run on the open-sourced Pebble operating system and retain many features that made the original Pebble devices popular among tech enthusiasts.
The Core 2 Duo, scheduled to ship in July with a price tag of $149, will feature a black-and-white E Ink display and utilize leftover frames from the Pebble Time 2 and Pebble 2. This model boasts technological upgrades, including an improved Bluetooth chip that extends battery life to over 30 days. It also includes a speaker for AI assistant interaction. With only about 10,000 units available, the Core 2 Duo is primarily targeting developers and hardcore Pebble fans.
The Core Time 2, set for a December release at $225, updates the old Pebble Time 2 design with a touchscreen for easier interaction. It maintains traditional Pebble features such as side buttons, long battery life, and customization options. The device also incorporates new chips and upgrades for improved step- and sleep-tracking capabilities, with battery life extended to 30 days.
Despite smooth progress with the Core 2 Duo development, challenges remain for the new venture. One significant hurdle is the difficulty in connecting PebbleOS watches to iPhones, which limits functionality like notification replies. Integration with Android devices is reportedly easier.
Migicovsky acknowledges potential manufacturing and software integration delays. There are also concerns about tariffs that could lead to possible price increases for customers. However, the creator emphasizes that his focus is on developing a product he desires rather than aiming for mass-market success.
As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, Migicovsky’s new offerings present a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, appealing to loyal Pebble fans and potentially attracting new users seeking alternatives to mainstream smartwatch options.
