A New Beginning for Pebble Fans
Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, is setting the stage for a remarkable comeback of the e-paper smartwatch, eight years after Pebble’s closure. Migicovsky announced plans to develop a “Pebble-like smartwatch” powered by an open-source version of PebbleOS. The new device is envisioned to stay true to the original Pebble’s minimalist philosophy while incorporating some modern features. His team is currently gauging interest through signups on their website, promising to bring the watch to life if enough demand is generated.
Launched in 2012, Pebble was a pioneer in the smartwatch industry, achieving widespread success through crowdfunding and selling over two million units. However, financial constraints and increasing competition, particularly from the Apple Watch, led to the company’s downfall. Pebble ceased operations after selling its intellectual property to Fitbit in 2016. Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021 allowed a group of Pebble enthusiasts to keep the spirit alive through the Rebble project, which provided replacement web services and ensured compatibility with modern Android phones.
Reimagining Simplicity and Usability
Eric Migicovsky’s renewed focus on Pebble stems from the enduring appeal of the original design. The open-source release of Pebble’s operating system by Google has created new opportunities for developers. While the code lacks proprietary components like Bluetooth stack and chipset-specific elements, Migicovsky believes these gaps can be bridged with time and effort.
In his blog, he outlined Pebble’s enduring charm: an always-on e-paper screen, long battery life, physical buttons, and a straightforward user interface emphasizing essential functions. A significant highlight was the watch’s hackability, which allowed users to create custom watch faces and apps. The upcoming device, as Migicovsky envisions, will retain these core features while introducing “fun new stuff.”
Despite challenges in interoperability with Apple’s ecosystem, Eric Migicovsky remains focused on delivering functionality that resonates with both Android and iOS users. However, he noted that some advanced features, such as voice dictation for replying to notifications, might remain exclusive to Android devices due to Apple’s restrictions. The 2024 Department of Justice lawsuit against Apple further underscores these limitations, accusing the tech giant of deliberately restricting third-party smartwatch capabilities to strengthen the Apple Watch’s dominance.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Future
Although Eric Migicovsky hasn’t provided a definitive timeline for the release of the new Pebble, his recent endeavors reflect his dedication to innovation. His previous venture, Beeper, a multi-protocol chat app, gained attention before being acquired by Automattic in April 2024. Now, his focus has shifted entirely to the new smartwatch, which he hopes will fill a void in the market left by the original Pebble.
The revival of Pebble signals a broader commitment to simplicity, functionality, and community-driven development in the tech world. For the loyal fan base that never quite found a true replacement, the prospect of a modernized Pebble is an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.
