Pebble Founder Eric Migicovsky Unveils Two New E-Ink Smartwatches
Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble, has just launched two new smartwatches featuring e-paper displays, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology.
Pebble Unveils Two New Smartwatches
Eric Migicovsky, founder of the renowned Pebble brand, has just unveiled two new smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, set to delight brand enthusiasts. These watches feature always-on e-paper displays, long-lasting batteries, and a classic design reminiscent of the company’s heyday.
Responding to PebbleOS Going Open-Source
The announcement follows Google’s decision to open-source its PebbleOS smartwatch operating system. This move inspired Migicovsky to craft watches tailored to the platform he helped create, asserting, “no one else has made the perfect smartwatch for people like us, so I’m going to make exactly the smartwatch we want.”
Impressive Features
The Core 2 Duo mirrors the beloved Pebble 2 but is enhanced with “modern chips and new tricks”. It boasts a 1.26-inch black and white e-paper display, a microphone, a lightweight polycarbonate frame, and an impressive 30-day battery life. Additional features include:
- Sleep and step tracking
- A barometer and a compass
The Core Time 2, described by Migicovsky as his “dream watch,” builds on the popular Pebble Time and the unreleased Pebble Time 2. It features a 1.5-inch color e-paper display with 64 colors, a metal frame and buttons, a flat glass for enhanced visibility, and a 30-day battery life. Its capabilities include:
- A touchscreen
- A heart rate monitor
- A microphone and speaker
- IPX8 water resistance
Availability and Pricing
Pre-orders are now open, with the Core 2 Duo shipping in July for $149, and the Core Time 2 available in December for $225. Both models come in black and white, with a potential third color option forthcoming.
Since PebbleOS is open-source, both watches are fully customizable, allowing for the potential integration of custom firmware.