smartwatch

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Pebble Relaunch - Year One Done!
2 months ago
- Google open-sourced PebbleOS 11 months ago, enabling a relaunch project that revived the platform.
- Key achievements since January include visiting the PT2 factory, reviewing pre-production units, and signing golden samples for quality control.
- The PT2 factory is conducting final waterproof and button press tests before mass production; first few thousand units may ship before Chinese New Year, with most after the holiday.
- Pebble Time 2 pre-order customers should select their watch colour on orders.repebble.com.
- Plans for 2024 include shipping Pebble Time 2 and Index 01, developing new software features, and expanding the community.
- A new product announcement is set for January 2, 2025 at rePebble.com, and Pebble will have a booth at CES.
- A major Pebble SDK update incorporating Moddable's embedded JS SDK is planned for later in January.
- The project has garnered community support and excitement for the upcoming year.
Success and Failure at Pebble
2 months ago
- Pebble succeeded in inventing the smartwatch category, selling 2 million watches and generating $230M in sales, but ultimately failed as a sustainable business.
- Key failures included poor sales forecasting, oversupply inventory, a misguided shift from a hacker-friendly product to a productivity device, and a too-large bezel on the Pebble Time.
- The company doubled operating expenses in 2015 anticipating growth, but revenue grew only 35% with lower margins, leading to a $15M inventory cash crunch.
- The underlying problem was a lack of a strong long-term vision; the CEO avoided discussing a brain-computer interface goal, which demoralized the team and prevented strategic direction.
- Lessons learned include the importance of customer feedback, smaller inventory risks, not scaling OPEX prematurely, and defining a clear, communicated vision to guide the company through hard times.
Why We’re Bringing Pebble Back
2 months ago
- Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky announces a new smartwatch with core features: always-on e-paper screen, long battery life, simple UX, buttons, and hackability.
- Google has open-sourced PebbleOS, enabling the new watch to run it and remain compatible with existing Pebble apps and watchfaces.
- The new watch will be produced by a small, sustainable company without external funding, focusing on long-term viability.
- An open-source companion app called Cobble is being developed for iOS and Android.
- Sign up at rePebble.com to be notified of product specifications and ordering.
February Shenzhen Trip Update
2 months ago
- Traveled to Shenzhen to meet 16 vendors and suppliers over 5 days, but got sick on day 6 and canceled meetings.
- Successfully tested the first version (EVT1) of the new watch circuit board, achieving under 100uA average power draw.
- Open source PebbleOS development progressed with 92 new commits; a colleague integrated the nimBLE Bluetooth stack for potential support on existing Pebble watches.
- Shenzhen's supply chain offers unmatched speed and access to components, with business decisions often made within minutes via WeChat.
- In-person meetings are crucial for idea generation, problem-solving, and building trust, despite the convenience of digital communication.
- Now working with wearable ODMs instead of OEMs, as the smartwatch industry has matured since Pebble's early days.
- WeChat's translation feature and acceptance of US credit cards via WeChat Pay/AliPay have greatly simplified travel and communication.
Apple restricts Pebble from being awesome with iPhones
2 months ago
- Building a great smartwatch experience on iPhone is much harder than on Android, and the situation has worsened over 8 years.
- Third-party smartwatches cannot send text messages, reply to notifications, or perform actions like dismissing or muting on iOS.
- iOS lacks interprocess communication (IPC) like Android, forcing clunky SDK solutions that other apps dislike.
- Closing the iOS app disconnects the watch from the internet and the app, limiting functionality.
- The watch cannot detect if the phone is being used, so notifications always buzz even when staring at the iPhone.
- Apps must go through Apple App Store with risk of arbitrary rejection, and sideloading is not possible.
- Enabling third-party developers to charge for watchfaces or apps is difficult due to App Store rules.
- JavaScript engine restrictions forced complex workarounds (compiling a JS cross-compiler inside the iOS app).
- Developer mode terminates every few minutes, making testing and development frustrating.
- Past efforts like an SMS-over-IP deal with AT&T resulted in poor user experience (messages not appearing in iMessage).
- iOS 13 added restrictions requiring full notification previews on lockscreen for third-party watches.
- Apple blocked carrier messaging deals unless iMessage is turned off, limiting third-party options.
- Apple's restrictions are anticompetitive, reducing competition, increasing prices, and stifling innovation (supported by DOJ and class-action lawsuits).
- Despite 40% of users being iPhone owners, the iOS app will have limited functionality compared to Android.
- Users are encouraged to complain, switch to Android, or support legislation like ACCESS Act, AICO, and DMA.
Introducing two new Pebble watches!
2 months ago
- Two new Pebble smartwatches announced: CorePebble 2 Duo ($149, July shipping) with black/white e-paper display, and CorePebble Time 2 ($225, December shipping) with 64-color display and touchscreen.
- Both run open source PebbleOS and are compatible with thousands of existing Pebble apps and watchfaces.
- Key features: always-on e-paper, long battery life (30 days), simple design, physical buttons, and hackable.
- Sold exclusively via pre-order at store.rePebble.com in limited quantities; refundable until shipment.
- CorePebble 2 Duo upgrades original Pebble 2 with modern chips, speaker, barometer, compass, and 30-day battery.
- CorePebble Time 2 adds a metal frame, larger display, and touchscreen for complications; no smartstrap support.
- Not a fitness/sports watch, and not comparable to Apple Watch; a labor of love with potential rough edges.
Gratitude and FAQ
2 months ago
- Two new PebbleOS watches were announced: Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, available for pre-order at store.rePebble.com.
- The founder expressed deep gratitude to the Pebble community, including Kickstarter backers, former employees, developers, and partners, for making the revival possible.
- Core 2 Duo uses recycled Pebble 2 components (including TPU buttons) but adds a mechanical insert to improve durability; button replacement is possible if needed.
- Core Time 2 will have a new design with metal buttons and is still in development; dimensions and specifications are not yet finalized.
- Both watches support iPhone and Android, with the same functionality as original Pebble (no SMS reply on iOS).
- A compass may be added to Core Time 2 after community feedback; a tiny, inexpensive chip is being considered.
- International shipments will be from Asia (likely Hong Kong) to avoid US tariffs; local import duties may apply.
- The new PebbleOS app will be compatible with old Pebble watches (firmware 3.x+), and the open-source firmware may be updated for older models by third-party developers.
- Color options for Core Time 2 will be announced later; users can choose before shipping (black, silver, and one other color).
- Features like heart rate sensor and touch screen can be turned off; PebbleOS is open source for full control.
How To Build A Smartwatch: Picking A Chip
2 months ago
- The chip selected for Core Time 2 is the SF32LB52J from SiFli, which features an open source SDK.
- The author is writing a series of blog posts on building a smartwatch, covering chip selection, hardware, and software design.
- A smartwatch comprises three main components: watch hardware, watch software (firmware/OS), and a mobile companion app.
- Designing a smartwatch involves constraint maximization, starting from a target experience goal and breaking it into specifications.
- The most challenging component decisions are the microcontroller (MCU) and the display, with MCU being the focal point for software compatibility, power consumption, and cost.
- Previously used MCUs include STM32F2 and nRF52840; for Core Time 2, a chip with more RAM and processing power was needed.
- SiFli's chip meets all requirements: over 512K SRAM, 16M PSRAM, a dedicated MIP peripheral, ~50uA power consumption with BLE, and costs under $2.
- SiFli offered to help port PebbleOS to their chip, making the SF32LB52J the final choice.
(re)Introducing the Pebble Appstore
2 months ago
- Manufactured 2,960 white Pebble 2 Duos in September, now transferring to fulfillment center for shipping.
- Black Pebble 2 Duo production delayed due to a China/Hong Kong holiday.
- Pebble Time 2 adds a scaling feature to expand existing watchfaces/apps to fill the larger 200x228 pixel display.
- Pebble Time 2 hardware moves from EVT to DVT stage, with work on coating, water resistance, and firmware integration.
- Mass production target set for end of year (Dec 26), causing December pre-orders to ship in January; Lunar New Year shutdown complicates schedule.
- Community developer ecosystem highlighted: over 2,000 apps and 10,000 watchfaces created; many being upgraded for larger screen.
- Partnered with Rebble Alliance to host the Pebble Appstore at apps.rePebble.com; no subscription required for app access.
- New appstore features include social previews and similar app recommendations; more features planned like emulator testing and broken API warnings.
- SDK updated to Python3, with a Cloud IDE for browser-based building and AI-assisted app creation via `pebble new-project --ai`.
- Future SDK roadmap includes package support, Timeline APIs, barometer/touchscreen/speaker support, and a new JS SDK using Moddable.
The new Pebble app is live on iOS and Android
2 months ago
- New Pebble app released on iOS and Android, compatible with all Pebble models including original Kickstarter Pebble, Pebble Steel, Time, Time Round, Pebble 2, Pebble 2 Duo, and Pebble Time 2.
- The app breathes new life into a 13-year-old product; users can dig out old Pebbles and use the app at rePebble.com/app.
- Ongoing improvements are planned (see software roadmap), and troubleshooting tips are available.
- A major new feature is local speech-to-text processing (try it out).
- Bluetooth connection to older Pebbles is less reliable than to newer models (P2D and PT2) due to inability to fix software bugs in old watches; users are advised not to leave negative reviews based on connectivity issues with older devices.
- The app's underlying library (libpebble3) has been open-sourced and is used in apps like MicroPebble; GadgetBridge is another open-source Pebble-compatible app supporting all Pebble watches.
Pebble Round 2 - The Most Stylish Pebble Ever
2 months ago
- Pebble Round 2 is a relaunch of the 2015 Pebble Time Round, featuring improvements like a larger 1.3-inch color e-paper display with no bezel, two-week battery life, and stainless steel construction in three colors.
- The watch retains Pebble's core features: weeks-long battery life, always-on reflective e-paper screen, tactile buttons, open-source PebbleOS, and compatibility with iOS and Android, though it focuses on basic health tracking (steps, sleep) rather than fitness.
- Specifications include a 260x260 pixel display, 30m water resistance, dual microphones for speech input, and a thin 8.1mm profile; It is available in four versions (matte black, brushed silver with 20mm or 14mm bands, polished rose gold) and pre-orders start at $199 on rePebble.com with shipping in May.
- The watch is currently in the design verification test phase; pre-order customers of Pebble Time 2 can switch orders, and developers can update apps for the larger display via an upcoming SDK update.
Pebble Time 2 Is In Mass Production!
2 months ago
- Pebble Time 2 is in mass production with over 4,000 units assembled; shipping begins late March and continues through June.
- Water resistance rated 30 meters (3 ATM); safe for brief water exposure but not for diving, hot water, or high pressure.
- Key features include a larger e-paper display, long battery life (14 days current, target 4 weeks), compatibility with 10,000+ apps, stainless steel build, and health tracking.
- Limitations: not a full fitness tracker, caution for nickel allergies, software features like second microphone and extended battery not yet enabled.
- Pre-order customers will receive an email to confirm addresses and can modify orders, merge pre-orders, or switch to Pebble Round 2; orders ship via courier with tracking.
- Orders are shipped DDP (duties prepaid); US tariff is ~$12; VAT+handling fee applies for other countries.
After wearing the Pebble Time 2 for two weeks, I'll never buy another smartwatch
3 months ago
- The author expresses dissatisfaction with modern smartwatches, feeling they try to do too much and become a burden.
- After two weeks with the Pebble Time 2, the author declares they will never buy another smartwatch due to its superior experience.
- Battery life is a key advantage: the Pebble Time 2 lasts up to two weeks on a charge, eliminating daily charging worries.
- PebbleOS is praised for its stability and lack of planned obsolescence, with older devices still functional and supported.
- The open-source nature of PebbleOS allows for extensive customization and app development, unlike closed systems from Apple or Samsung.
- The e-paper display is versatile, always-on, and energy-efficient, trading some visibility for better battery life.
- The watch feels like a true companion tool, offering control over the user experience without unwanted features.

smartwatch

Pebble Relaunch - Year One Done!

Success and Failure at Pebble

Why We’re Bringing Pebble Back

February Shenzhen Trip Update

Apple restricts Pebble from being awesome with iPhones

Introducing two new Pebble watches!

Gratitude and FAQ

How To Build A Smartwatch: Picking A Chip

(re)Introducing the Pebble Appstore

The new Pebble app is live on iOS and Android

Pebble Round 2 - The Most Stylish Pebble Ever

Pebble Time 2 Is In Mass Production!

After wearing the Pebble Time 2 for two weeks, I'll never buy another smartwatch