Eric Migicovsky, the creator of the legendary Pebble smartwatch, announced two new models earlier this year: the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. The Core 2 Duo prototype, which will be released in July 2025, runs on the open-source PebbleOS operating system, the software of which is still being finalized.
Image source: theverge.com
According to The Verge, the Core 2 Duo will feature a monochrome display without touch controls, an Apple Watch-style silicone strap with a loop-style closure — a mechanism that allows you to hide the remainder of the strap after adjusting it to your wrist size — and a magnetic USB-C adapter for charging. A more advanced version, the Core Time 2, with a color touchscreen will appear in December. Migicovsky noted that he wants to add widgets to the watch face and improve integration with the Beeper messenger app, which he developed after selling the Pebble brand to Google.
Both models will feature a speaker and microphone to work with voice assistants and, thanks to new European legislation (Digital Markets Act, DMA) allowing third-party devices to integrate with Apple products, possibly voice control of notifications from the iPhone in Europe.
The Core Devices team is also working on upgrading PebbleOS to accommodate new Bluetooth chips. This will allow the operating system to be used not only in watches but also in other devices, although details have not yet been disclosed.
Migicovsky also touched on the topic of US tariffs on Chinese electronics. Since both models are made in China, the current 27.5% tariff could increase their cost by $10–$25. However, the exact impact on price ($149 for the Core 2 Duo and $225 for the Core Time 2) has not yet been determined. The Core 2 Duo is scheduled for release in July 2025, with pre-orders opening soon.