Eric Migicovsky, the creator of the legendary Pebble smartwatch, has shown what he will return to the smartwatch market with. His company, Core Devices, is preparing to release the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 devices. These watches retain the spirit of the original Pebble from 2013, but at the same time, they have received technological improvements that meet modern requirements.
Image source: Pebble
Both models run the open-source PebbleOS operating system and offer familiar features. One even uses leftover parts from older Pebbles. “They’re not called Pebbles, but they’re essentially Pebbles,” says Migicovsky. The first model, the Core 2 Duo, is a reimagining of the Pebble 2. The second, the Core Time 2, will feature more advanced features and a touchscreen, The Verge notes.
The Core 2 Duo has, of course, been upgraded. Thanks to a more efficient Bluetooth chip, the battery now holds a charge for up to 30 days instead of one week. The watch has a speaker for communicating with AI assistants. The device will receive a black and white E Ink display and a case from Pebble 2. Externally, it is almost no different from the original, but the internal filling consists of modern components. In general, this is the same gadget from eight years ago, just updated and renamed. The Core 2 Duo will go on sale in July for $ 149, while it is planned to release only about 10,000 copies.
As for the second model, Core Time 2, unlike previous Pebbles, it will receive a touch screen. However, the developer emphasizes that it is not going to turn the watch into a mini-smartphone – the sensor is only needed for quick access to applications. Otherwise, it is still the same classic Pebble: buttons, long charge and advanced settings. Core Time 2 will also be able to work 30 days without recharging, will receive a speaker and improved sensors for tracking the phases of activity and sleep of the owner.
Migicovsky also notes that there are no major innovations in Core Time 2 yet, if you don’t count the ability to tap on the screen instead of using physical buttons. Of course, like the Core 2 Duo, there are modern components inside. Core Time 2 will go on sale in December and will cost $225.
New devices are launching faster than expected, especially the Core 2 Duo. However, there are still some challenges. For example, integration with the iPhone is becoming less and less convenient — you can no longer respond to notifications from the watch. There are no such problems with Android.
There are other potential hurdles, too, such as production delays and possible tariffs. “If the cost goes up, we’ll just increase the price,” says Migicovsky. Despite the risks, he’s happy to be back doing what he loves: “I’m not trying to sell millions of units, I’m just doing what I love.”