Colorful Next Generation Smartwatch from Pebble: Redefining Wearable Technology
Get Stoked for the Core 2 Duo's Return!
Eric Migicovsky, the man behind the original Pebble smartwatch, is once again making waves in the tech world with his new company, Core Devices. This time around, he's bringing back the beloved Pebble in an updated form, packed with improvements while sticking to the roots that made it a fan favorite.
Remember Pebble? The smartwatch launched via a Kickstarter campaign back in 2013, attracting an enthusiastic following. The company dominated a niche market with smartwatches that offered a simpler alternative to the overloaded, expensive smartwatches of today. They boasted a black-and-white display, physical buttons, and a battery life that could last for days instead of hours. An open SDK further allowed developers to create a diverse range of apps, something unheard of on other smartwatch platforms.
Unfortunately, Pebble's journey wasn't all smooth sailing. In an interview, Migicovsky admitted that the company lost sight of its core vision and ended up shutting down in 2016, selling its assets to Fitbit. But even after all these years, Migicovsky couldn't find a smartwatch that met his needs.
Fast forward to today, and Migicovsky is back with Core Devices and his new lineup of smartwatches, aptly named the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. Both smartwatches will be available for pre-order, with the Core 2 Duo starting to ship in July 2025 at a cost of $149[1][2][4].
The Core 2 Duo resembles the Pebble 2, but with an impressive battery life of up to 30 days on a single charge[2][5]. This significant increase is due to advancements in Bluetooth chip efficiency over the past decade[5]. "Who wants the stress of carrying around extra chargers?" laughed Migicovsky[5].
Beyond the impressive battery life, the Core 2 Duo will also feature a speaker, microphone, sleep, and step tracking, all housed within a durable polycarbonate frame[2].
But if you're yearning for something a little more luxurious, the Core Time 2 is your answer. This watch boasts a metal frame, a color reflective LCD touchscreen, and a heart rate monitor. It will be water-resistant, making it perfect for those who want a smartwatch they can take on adventures[3].
Priced at $225, the Core Time 2 will start shipping in December 2025[3][4]. But don't worry; the software and app marketplace for both new watches will remain largely the same as the original Pebble lineup[1][4]. Migicovsky even succeeded in convincing Google to open-source PebbleOS[1]. This means the roughly 10,000 apps and watchfaces available on the older Pebble watches will still be supported[1][4].
For those die-hard Pebble fans, rest assured that the brand is not being exploited to pursue fleeting trends. Migicovsky and his team are instead focusing on fine-tuning what already works. "We're not messing with a good thing," Migicovsky said[6]. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Production for the Core 2 Duo is already underway, with dozens of units already built for testing and development[1][4]. The team is currently working on creating the first Core Time 2 prototypes[1][4].
The smartwatch market has evolved dramatically since Pebble's heyday. Today, the market is dominated by Apple and Garmin, both of which focus mainly on health and fitness tracking[7]. But despite this, Migicovsky believes there's still a niche market for those who don't prioritize tracking every step and wink of sleep[7].
Migicovsky isn't betting big on his new venture. "We're not trying to compete with the big guys," he said[7]. "If you're looking for something sleek and high-tech, check out their offerings. But Core Devices is for the discerning few who crave something simple and reliable."
With a conservative production plan of only 10,000 units per month and a focus on building a sustainable and long-lasting company, Migicovsky won't be aiming for mainstream popularity[7]. Instead, he hopes to carve out a loyal niche within the smartwatch market.
So, there you have it, folks. The Pebble is back, and it's better than ever. Will you join the rebirth of this beloved brand? 🤓💪🕰️📈
[1] https://www.coredevices.com/pebble-os[2] https://www.coredevices.com/core-2-duo[3] https://www.coredevices.com/core-time-2[4] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33671684[5] https://www.geekwire.com/2025/eric-migicovsky-core-devices-pebble-2-battery-life/[6] https://www.fastcompany.com/90729375/the-pebble-time-2-is-back-as-the-core-2-duo-and-it-still-keeps-the-quirky-physical-buttons[7] https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/core-devices-pebble-2/
- Eric Migicovsky, now with Core Devices, is reviving the Pebble smartwatch, catering to a niche market with his new devices, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2.
- The Core 2 Duo, like the Pebble 2, is set to have a battery life that lasts up to 30 days on a single charge, enabled by advancements in Bluetooth chip efficiency over the past decade.
- Migicovsky managed to convince Google to open-source PebbleOS, ensuring that the apps and watchfaces available on the older Pebble watches will remain supported on the new devices.
- Despite the smartwatch market's evolution, Migicovsky isfocusing on creating simple and reliable smartwatches for the discerning few, with a commitment to sustainability and a production plan of only 10,000 units per month.
