Pebble Returns: A New Era for Smartwatches
The iconic Pebble smartwatch is making a comeback. Recently, Google—having acquired Pebble’s intellectual property through its Fitbit acquisition—announced the open-sourcing of the original modern smartwatch software. This initiative not only allows enthusiasts to develop new wearable devices reminiscent of Pebble or create custom firmware for existing models, but it has also attracted the attention of prominent figures in the tech industry; notably, Eric Migicovsky, the mastermind behind Pebble.
The Open-Source Revolution
According to Google, the newly available PebbleOS encompasses a majority of its original codebase. However, certain proprietary components related to chipset and Bluetooth functionalities are excluded from this release. Developers may encounter challenges as they search for suitable alternatives to these components that were left out, as noted by Google’s Matthieu Jeanson, Katharine Berry, and Liam McLoughlin.
Motivated by his passion for Pebble’s legacy and suggestions from colleagues at Google, Migicovsky played a pivotal role in pushing this project forward. He expressed his ambition on his blog to revive what made the original smartwatch special without straying far from its foundation—a true spiritual successor rather than an overhaul.
A Vision for Tomorrow’s Smartwatch
Migicovsky envisions his upcoming device as a modern reincarnation of the classic Pebble watch—it should embody simplicity while boasting an attractive user interface paired with advanced functionality. His wish list includes features such as an always-on e-paper display renowned for energy efficiency, an extended battery life capable of lasting several days without recharge, tangible physical buttons for enhanced usability, and customization options like interchangeable watch faces—a return to what set U.S.-based Kickstarter project apart when it broke crowdfunding records years ago before major players like Apple and Samsung entered this competitive market.
“Our new device will mirror most specifications and characteristics found in earlier versions,” Migicovsky eagerly stated while teasing exciting new enhancements yet to be disclosed. Crucially important is that it will operate on open-source PebbleOS while remaining fully compatible with all pre-existing apps developed specifically for previous iterations of their acclaimed product line.
Get Involved
If you’re a developer interested in diving into Google’s open-source adaptation of Pebble OS or desire more insights into Migicovsky’s forthcoming venture—the visionary successor set against 2013’s popularity—you can find resources on GitHub or register your interest via updates available through their dedicated webpage.
