Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble, announced two new open-source PebbleOS watches: the Pebble Time mist and Pebble Time frost. These watches utilize existing Pebble Time hardware but feature new, community-designed watchfaces and updated firmware based on the RebbleOS continuation project. They represent a renewed effort to revitalize the Pebble ecosystem by offering a polished software experience on proven hardware. The mist and frost differ primarily in their casing colors (grey and white, respectively) and include new packaging and accessories like colorful silicone bands. Pre-orders are open with shipping expected in early 2024.
Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, a company formerly renowned for its smartwatches, has unveiled two new timepieces powered by the open-source PebbleOS, continuing the legacy of the defunct brand. These watches, named the Pebble Cosmos Engage and the Pebble Time Will Return, are not manufactured by the original Pebble company, but rather represent a collaborative effort within the dedicated Pebble community, specifically by a manufacturer based in Hong Kong leveraging the open-source nature of the PebbleOS platform.
The Pebble Cosmos Engage, described as an "all-new" device, boasts a circular display reminiscent of traditional watch aesthetics, breaking from the signature square design of previous Pebble models. It features modern advancements such as heart rate monitoring, blood pressure tracking, and sleep monitoring, catering to health-conscious users. Furthermore, it incorporates contemporary conveniences like Bluetooth calling and NFC (Near Field Communication) for contactless payments. Powered by a Realtek processor and running a version of FreeRTOS customized for PebbleOS, the Cosmos Engage promises an extended battery life, aiming to alleviate a common concern with smartwatches. A variety of watch faces are available to personalize the user experience.
In contrast, the Pebble Time Will Return, as the name suggests, serves as a nostalgic homage to the classic Pebble Time smartwatch. Maintaining the iconic square display and overall design language of the original, this model evokes a sense of familiarity for long-time Pebble enthusiasts. While embracing the retro aesthetics, the Time Will Return does incorporate some modern upgrades, including a heart rate sensor and a blood oxygen monitor. However, it intentionally forgoes features like NFC and Bluetooth calling, seemingly prioritizing a purist experience that focuses on the core functionalities of a smartwatch.
Both watches utilize the Rebble Web Services, a community-driven initiative that has kept the Pebble ecosystem alive by providing essential cloud services after the official shutdown by Fitbit, the company that acquired Pebble. This allows for continued functionality, including app installations and notifications, ensuring the longevity and continued utility of these newly released PebbleOS watches. The blog post positions these watches as not just timepieces but as a continuation of the Pebble ethos, driven by a passionate community dedicated to preserving and extending the life of the platform.
Summary of Comments ( 336 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43400989
HN commenters express excitement and nostalgia for Pebble, with several lamenting its demise and wishing the new watches were real. Some discuss the challenges of building and maintaining a hardware startup, especially in the competitive smartwatch market. Others analyze the design of the proposed watches, praising the return to physical buttons and expressing preferences for different features like e-paper displays. Several commenters offer technical insights, discussing the potential for using existing hardware components and open-source software like FreeRTOS to create a similar product. A few share their personal experiences with Pebble and its unique community. There's also a thread about the potential market for such a device, with some arguing there's still demand for a simple, battery-efficient smartwatch.
The Hacker News post "Two new PebbleOS watches" (linking to an article about two new Pebble-inspired smartwatch projects) generated a moderate discussion with 16 comments. Several commenters expressed nostalgia for Pebble and lamented its demise, with one user describing their Pebble Time Steel as "still the best smartwatch I ever owned." This sentiment was echoed by others who appreciated Pebble's simplicity, long battery life, and e-paper display.
Some commenters focused on the technical aspects of the new watches, particularly the use of the RP2040 microcontroller. They discussed the chip's capabilities, its suitability for wearable devices, and the challenges of achieving acceptable battery life with it. One user pointed out the power consumption difference between e-paper and LCD displays, noting that while the RP2040 can drive a color LCD, it might struggle to achieve multi-day battery life.
There was a discussion about the open-source nature of the projects and the potential for community involvement. Commenters expressed interest in contributing to the firmware development and customizing the watch faces. One commenter specifically asked about the possibility of adding offline maps to the watch.
Several comments directly addressed the challenges faced by the new watch projects, including competition from established smartwatch brands like Apple and Garmin, and the difficulty of replicating the seamless software and hardware integration that Pebble achieved. One user raised the issue of app support, questioning whether these new watches could offer a compelling ecosystem of apps and services.
Finally, there were some comments about the aesthetics of the new watches. While acknowledging the functional design, some users expressed a preference for the more refined look of the original Pebble watches. One comment humorously suggested the developer should "embrace the playful, toy-like aesthetic" of the original Pebble.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and pragmatic concern for the future of these Pebble-inspired projects. While there's clear enthusiasm for a return to the Pebble ethos, many commenters acknowledge the significant hurdles these projects face in a competitive smartwatch market.