Pebble Smartwatch is Making a Comeback!
Four years after launching one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns in Kickstarter history, smartwatch maker Pebble abruptly shut down in 2016 due to insolvency and was acquired by rival Fitbit. However, Fitbit itself was later acquired by Google in 2021.
Now, Pebble is making a comeback!
Founder Plans to Revive the Brand with a New Smartwatch
Pebble’s founder and former CEO Eric Migicovsky has announced that he is working on a new smartwatch inspired by the original Pebble.
Recently, Google open-sourced PebbleOS, the smartwatch’s original software, allowing third-party developers to build new devices. Migicovsky has taken the first step in this direction and is now fully committed to developing a new smartwatch.
Expected Features of the New Smartwatch
Migicovsky envisions a simple, functional, and efficient smartwatch with the following key features:
- Always-on e-paper display (reflective rather than emissive, sunlight-readable, and non-distracting)
- Long battery life (eliminating the hassle of daily charging)
- Simple and beautiful user interface (focused on essential functions like time, notifications, music control, alarms, weather, and fitness tracking)
- Physical buttons (for easy music control and navigation)
- Hackable design (allowing users to customize the watch, including creating custom watch faces)
No VC Funding or Crowdfunding – A Self-Funded Project
Unlike the original Pebble, which was funded through Kickstarter, Migicovsky has decided not to seek venture capital or crowdfunding this time. Instead, he is self-funding the project and plans to develop it based on consumer interest.
Building Hardware is Now Easier Than Before
To explore manufacturing possibilities, Migicovsky recently visited Shenzhen, a major hub for electronics production. He noted that building hardware is now much easier than it was 10 years ago, as smartwatch manufacturing has become more standardized.
Good News for Pebble Fans
Despite Pebble shutting down years ago, it still has a loyal fan base, with an active community on Reddit and a small resale market for old devices.
Migicovsky’s goal is to serve people who truly want a watch like Pebble. He says, "I want to create a watch that I personally want to wear."
While the project is still in its early stages, Migicovsky is confident about bringing Pebble back in a new form. Now, all eyes are on whether Pebble’s second chapter will succeed in the modern smartwatch era!
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