Keep in mind Pebble? Again within the day, this groundbreaking smartwatch raised hundreds of thousands on Kickstarter. As an alternative of a touchscreen, it featured an e-paper show, prioritizing ultra-long battery life. Paired with a smartphone, it delivered notifications for calls and messages straight to your wrist—manner again in 2012, practically 13 years in the past. Sadly, Pebble’s journey got here to an abrupt finish in late 2016 with its insolvency. The mental property was acquired by Fitbit, now a Google subsidiary, however the revolutionary Pebble tech by no means really discovered its place there.
Pebble: Former CEO Plans an Thrilling Comeback
Prepare for a Pebble comeback! Google has launched the software program for the unique Pebble watches beneath a free open-source license, paving the way in which for a possible relaunch. Former Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky has already expressed his ambition to develop new smartwatches impressed by the beloved Pebble design.
Whereas particular particulars on the design or technical specs are nonetheless beneath wraps, Migicovsky shared with TechCrunch that the undertaking is in its very early phases.
The shocking comeback of a legend: Google is growing new smartwatches impressed by the beloved Pebble design. / © Google
In a submit on his private weblog, the Pebble founder emphasised that the brand new smartwatch is not going to be rushed. Migicovsky has set excessive requirements for the machine, prioritizing options that mirror Pebble’s authentic philosophy.
Key components embody an always-on show that is sunlight-readable and not using a backlight, tactile and useful buttons, an intuitive consumer interface, and sturdy battery life. Moreover, options like sleep monitoring, a pedometer, an built-in calendar, alarms, and climate updates are non-negotiable for the Canadian entrepreneur.
Are Different Producers Able to Be a part of the Bandwagon?
A devoted neighborhood is actively engaged on a brand new version of the Pebble smartwatch, aiming to carry it to life with out counting on exterior backers. Due to developments in manufacturing, producing gadgets by contract producers in China is now extra accessible than it was just a few years in the past.
With Pebble’s software program now open-source, there’s even potential for different producers to develop smartwatches that includes e-paper shows. Nonetheless, whether or not it will truly occur stays unsure.
What about you? Would you think about a smartwatch and not using a touchscreen, relying as an alternative on a battery-efficient e-paper show? Or do you suppose fashionable smartwatches ought to include extra superior know-how? Share your ideas within the feedback—let’s focus on!
