Stories with Tag Product Announcement

• Two new PebbleOS watches

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-03-18 15:59:27

  Verbose tl;dr

  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.

  • Pebble
  • PebbleOS
  • Smartwatch
  • Wearables
  • Watches
  • new product
  • Product Announcement
  • Technology
  • Consumer Electronics

  Summary of Comments ( 336 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43400989

  Verbose tl;dr

  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.

• A 10-Year Battery for AirTag

  permalink

  Posted: 2024-12-18 18:17:17

  Verbose tl;dr

  ElevationLab introduces TimeCapsule, a protective case for Apple AirTags designed to last for the AirTag's entire lifespan. It incorporates a replaceable CR2032 battery, addressing the AirTag's limited battery life. Made of stainless steel with a cavity to improve signal strength, TimeCapsule includes a keyring and is designed to be more durable and easier to find in bags than the bare AirTag. It effectively transforms the AirTag into a key-sized tracker with a user-replaceable battery estimated to last about ten years.

  ElevationLab, a company known for its accessories for Apple products, has announced the "TimeCapsule," a meticulously engineered replacement battery compartment designed to significantly extend the lifespan of an Apple AirTag. Recognizing that AirTags are inherently disposable due to their sealed, non-replaceable battery, ElevationLab sought to create a solution for environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking long-term tracking solutions. The TimeCapsule boasts a remarkable projected lifespan of ten years, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and reducing electronic waste. This longevity is achieved through the utilization of a specialized low-power lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) battery chemistry known for its exceptional shelf life and stability. This chemistry, while offering extended operational duration, does necessitate a slightly larger form factor compared to the standard AirTag battery. However, ElevationLab has skillfully minimized the size increase, resulting in a form factor only 2.1mm thicker and 2mm wider than the original AirTag, a negligible difference considering the substantial lifespan extension.

  The TimeCapsule's design not only focuses on longevity but also on ease of use and maintainability. The battery compartment is readily accessible, allowing users to replace the LTC battery themselves with a standard CR2432 battery, readily available from various retailers. This user-replaceable design further contributes to the product's sustainability. Furthermore, the TimeCapsule is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity to match the impressive battery lifespan. The design incorporates a robust stainless steel shell that protects the internal components and complements the aesthetic of the AirTag, maintaining its sleek and minimalist appearance. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, allowing users to easily integrate the TimeCapsule with their existing AirTags without specialized tools or technical expertise. This considered approach reflects ElevationLab's commitment to providing practical and user-friendly solutions. The TimeCapsule represents a significant advancement in AirTag functionality, transforming it from a disposable tracking device into a sustainable, long-term solution.

  • AirTag
  • Battery
  • Long-lasting Battery
  • 10-Year Battery
  • TimeCapsule
  • ElevationLab
  • Battery Replacement
  • Find My
  • Apple
  • Accessories
  • IoT
  • Low Power
  • Ultra-low Power
  • Power Efficiency
  • CR2032
  • User-replaceable Battery
  • Crowdfunding
  • Product Announcement

  Summary of Comments ( 563 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42453207

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters are generally skeptical of the TimeCapsule's claimed 10-year battery life, with several pointing out the impracticality of such a long timeframe for a tracking device. Many suspect the battery will degrade significantly before the 10-year mark, rendering the device useless much sooner. Some users question the actual utility of the product, wondering about real-world scenarios where a decade-long tracking solution would be necessary or even desirable. Others express privacy concerns about the potential for long-term, unnoticed tracking. A few commenters mention the environmental impact of disposable electronics, especially given the long lifespan and specialized battery. Several suggest alternative solutions, including replaceable batteries or solar charging. Overall, the sentiment is one of cautious disbelief and concern over practical limitations and unintended consequences.

  The Hacker News post titled "A 10-Year Battery for AirTag" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments. Many commenters focused on the implications of a longer-lasting battery, particularly in the context of tracking stolen items.

  One compelling comment pointed out that the real issue with AirTags isn't battery life, but the fact that thieves can often quickly locate and disable them. A longer battery life wouldn't necessarily address this fundamental vulnerability. This commenter suggested that a more effective solution might be integrating AirTags more deeply into devices, making them harder to remove.

  Another commenter questioned the trade-offs associated with a 10-year battery. They speculated about the size and cost implications of such a battery, wondering if it would make AirTags significantly larger or more expensive. This raised a broader discussion about the optimal balance between battery life, size, and cost for tracking devices.

  Several comments highlighted the environmental impact of disposable batteries. While a 10-year lifespan would reduce battery waste, some commenters argued for rechargeable batteries as a more sustainable approach. They also discussed the potential for solar-powered AirTags as a longer-term solution.

  There was also a discussion about the feasibility of the claimed 10-year battery life. Some commenters expressed skepticism, suggesting that real-world usage patterns and environmental factors could significantly impact battery performance. They called for more transparency regarding the testing methodology used to arrive at the 10-year figure.

  Finally, some comments touched upon the privacy implications of long-term tracking devices. The possibility of someone secretly placing an AirTag with a 10-year battery on a person or vehicle raised concerns about potential misuse and the need for robust anti-stalking measures.