Google has open-sourced the Pebble OS, including firmware, apps, developer tools, and watchfaces. This release, dubbed "Pebble.js," allows developers and enthusiasts to explore and tinker with the code that powered these iconic smartwatches. The repository provides access to the entire Pebble software ecosystem, enabling potential revival or adaptation of the platform for other devices and purposes. While official support from Google is limited, the open-source nature of the project invites community contributions and future development.
Rebble, the community-driven effort to keep Pebble smartwatches alive after Fitbit discontinued services, has announced its transition to a fully open-source platform. This means the Rebble web services, mobile apps, and firmware will all be open-sourced, allowing the community to fully control and sustain the platform indefinitely. While current services will remain operational, this shift empowers developers to contribute, adapt, and ensure the long-term viability of Rebble, freeing it from reliance on specific individuals or resources. This represents a move towards greater community ownership and collaborative development for the continued support of Pebble smartwatches.
The Hacker News comments express cautious optimism about Rebble's future, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a community-driven alternative for a niche product like Pebble. Several users praise the Rebble team's dedication and ingenuity in keeping the platform alive this long. Some express concern over the long-term viability without official support and question the eventual hardware limitations. Others discuss potential solutions like using existing smartwatches with a Pebble-like OS, or even designing new Pebble-inspired hardware. The overall sentiment leans towards hoping for Rebble's continued success while recognizing the significant hurdles ahead. A few users reflect nostalgically on their positive experiences with Pebble watches and the community surrounding them.
Summary of Comments ( 90 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42845070
The Hacker News comments express excitement about Google open-sourcing the Pebble OS, with many reminiscing about their fondness for the now-defunct smartwatches. Several commenters anticipate tinkering with the newly released code and exploring potential uses, like repurposing it for other wearables or integrating it with existing projects. Some discuss the technical aspects of the OS and speculate about the motivations behind Google's decision, suggesting it could be a move to preserve Pebble's legacy, foster community development, or potentially even lay the groundwork for future wearable projects. A few commenters express a degree of disappointment that the release doesn't include all aspects of the Pebble ecosystem, such as the mobile apps or cloud services. There's also a recurring theme of gratitude towards Google for making the source code available, acknowledging the significance of this move for the Pebble community and wearable technology enthusiasts.
The Hacker News post "Google open-sources the Pebble OS" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42845070) generated a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the Pebble smartwatch and its newly open-sourced operating system.
Several commenters expressed nostalgia for their Pebble devices, praising their simplicity, long battery life, and e-paper displays. They reminisced about the active Pebble community and lamented the demise of the company after its acquisition by Fitbit. Some users expressed hope that the open-sourcing of the OS might lead to a community revival and potential future development.
A few comments focused on the technical aspects of the Pebble OS, highlighting its resource efficiency, suitability for low-power hardware, and the clever ways it managed to deliver functionality despite hardware limitations. The use of JavaScript for app development was also mentioned, with some appreciating its accessibility and others expressing concerns about performance.
Some discussion revolved around the potential uses for the open-sourced codebase. Suggestions included repurposing it for other wearable devices, learning from its efficient design, and potentially even creating new Pebble-like watches. However, the practical challenges of reviving the platform, such as the lack of app store infrastructure and the availability of suitable hardware, were also acknowledged.
A couple of commenters questioned the timing of Google's decision to open-source the OS, speculating about potential motivations, including public relations benefits and the possibility of leveraging the code for other Google projects.
One particularly compelling comment thread explored the impact of Fitbit's acquisition of Pebble on the smartwatch market. Some argued that Fitbit effectively killed a promising competitor and stifled innovation, while others defended Fitbit's actions, citing the challenging market dynamics and the inherent difficulties of competing with larger players like Apple and Google.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of nostalgia for the Pebble, appreciation for its technical achievements, and cautious optimism about the potential impact of open-sourcing its OS. While some envision a community-driven revival of the platform, others remain skeptical about its long-term prospects given the practical challenges involved.