The creator of the Pebble smartwatch, Eric Migicovsky, is returning to the wearable tech scene with plans to develop a true successor to the device that arguably launched the smartwatch craze back in 2012. In a recent blog post, Migicovsky excitedly announced, “A small team and I are diving back into the world of hardware to bring Pebble back!” This announcement comes on the heels of Google open-sourcing the original PebbleOS software, making it easier for enthusiasts to adapt the platform for modern smartphones and operating systems. This move has energized the existing Pebble community, who are actively working to maintain and improve the functionality of their beloved smartwatches. The open-source release of PebbleOS will undoubtedly accelerate this process.
A Modern Take on a Classic Design
Migicovsky’s vision for the new smartwatch is a clear homage to the original Pebble. He outlined his plans, stating, “The new watch we’re building basically has the same specs and features as Pebble, though with some fun new stuff as well. It runs open source PebbleOS, and it’s compatible with all Pebble apps and watchfaces. If you had a Pebble and loved it, this is the smartwatch for you.”
A person wearing the Pebble Round.
Key Features and Functionality
He further elaborated on the core features he prioritizes in a smartwatch. These include an always-on e-paper display for optimal visibility in sunlight and reduced power consumption compared to OLED or LCD screens, physical buttons for navigation, and a simple, user-friendly interface built on hackable software. Importantly, he emphasized the desire to empower developers to create custom watch faces. While these features currently represent his wishlist, it’s highly likely they will be incorporated into the final product.
Pebble Time
The Future of Pebble
Although Migicovsky refers to the project as a “Pebble replacement,” the use of the Pebble name remains uncertain. Pebble was acquired by Fitbit, which was subsequently acquired by Google. While the software is now open source, securing the rights to the Pebble name might be more challenging. This is further complicated by the existence of another smartwatch company currently using the Pebble brand.
Pebble Steel Watch front left angle
The Road Ahead
The project is still in its early stages. Migicovsky aims to finalize the product specifications and timeline before revealing details regarding availability and purchase options. He concluded his announcement by assuring fans that the new smartwatch will be remarkably similar to the original Pebble “in almost every way.” This statement will undoubtedly excite the dedicated Pebble fanbase. However, the smartwatch landscape has evolved significantly since Pebble’s heyday between 2012 and 2016. Consumers now have a much wider range of options, from the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600 and the Withings ScanWatch 2 to the Apple Watch Series 10.
Pebble Smartwatch Pebblis
Beyond Pebble: Beeper and Automattic
Since Pebble’s demise, Migicovsky has been involved in other ventures. He founded Beeper, a universal messaging app that offered a secure way to integrate iMessage on Android, effectively addressing the “blue bubble/green bubble” dilemma. Beeper was acquired by Automattic, the company behind WordPress, in 2024.
A New Chapter for Wearable Tech
While the future of this new Pebble-inspired smartwatch remains to be seen, Migicovsky’s return to the wearable tech arena is generating considerable interest. The combination of nostalgia, open-source software, and a focus on core functionality may just be the right formula to carve out a niche in today’s competitive smartwatch market.
