Pebble Returns with New Smartwatch Development
Pebble, the once-popular smartwatch maker, has announced its return to the smartwatch market after years of dormancy. The company, based in Palo Alto, California, previously shut down due to financial difficulties. Now, Pebble is back with a new smartwatch under the “rePebble” branding. This new device promises to feature an innovative e-ink screen with always-on display capabilities, setting it apart from its competitors. To support this ambitious comeback, Google has open-sourced the operating system that powers Pebble smartwatches. This move could breathe new life into the brand and attract both old fans and new users.
New Pebble Smartwatch in Development
Pebble co-founder and CEO Eric Migicovsky recently shared insights about the new smartwatch in a blog post. He emphasized that while there are numerous smartwatch options available today, many lack the essential features that Pebble aims to provide. One standout feature will be the e-ink screen, which offers an always-on display. This type of screen is reflective, making it easily readable in bright sunlight, unlike traditional emissive screens.
The user interface (UI) of the new smartwatch will focus on core functionalities. These include time tracking, notifications, music control, alarms, weather updates, calendar access, and sleep and step tracking. Migicovsky pointed out the importance of having physical buttons for music control, allowing users to play, pause, or skip tracks directly from the watch. He also expressed a desire for the product to be “hackable,” contrasting it with Apple’s approach, which restricts users from customizing their watch faces.
As Pebble embarks on this new journey, the upcoming rePebble smartwatch aims to retain the features and specifications of the original models that were popular between 2013 and 2016. The company believes that advancements in technology have made it easier to develop smartwatches today. With more capable factories and affordable, efficient Bluetooth chips, Pebble is optimistic about its future in the smartwatch market.
PebbleOS Becomes Open-Sourced
In a significant move to support its new smartwatch, Pebble has collaborated with Google to open-source its operating system, known as PebbleOS. This development is crucial for the brand’s revival. The intellectual property for PebbleOS was previously owned by Fitbit, which was acquired by Google in January 2021. Now, the source code for PebbleOS is available on GitHub, allowing developers and enthusiasts to access and contribute to its functionality.
PebbleOS includes essential features such as notifications, media controls, fitness tracking, and support for custom apps and watch faces. It is designed to run on ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers, making it versatile and adaptable. With the open-sourcing of PebbleOS, the company aims to engage with the community, particularly with volunteers from Rebble. This community-driven project emerged after Pebble ceased operations, working to keep the original smartwatch functionalities alive.
By making PebbleOS open-source, Pebble hopes to foster innovation and collaboration within the developer community. This strategy not only enhances the smartwatch’s capabilities but also builds a loyal user base eager to explore new possibilities. As Pebble prepares to launch its new smartwatch, the combination of innovative features and community support could position it for success in the competitive wearable technology market.
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