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.
Apple announced the new Mac Studio, claiming it's their most powerful Mac yet. It's powered by the M2 Max chip, offering significant performance boosts over the previous generation for demanding workflows like video editing and 3D rendering. The Mac Studio also features extensive connectivity options, including HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, and 10Gb Ethernet. It's designed for professional users who need a compact yet incredibly powerful desktop machine.
HN commenters generally expressed excitement but also skepticism about Apple's "most powerful" claim. Several questioned the value proposition, noting the high price and limited upgradeability compared to building a similarly powerful PC. Some debated the target audience, suggesting it was aimed at professionals needing specific macOS software or those prioritizing a polished ecosystem over raw performance. The lack of GPU upgrades and the potential for thermal throttling were also discussed. Several users expressed interest in benchmarks comparing the M4 Max to competing hardware, while others pointed out the quiet operation as a key advantage. Some comments lamented the loss of user-serviceability and upgradability that characterized older Macs.
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HN commenters are generally skeptical of the iPhone 16e's value proposition. Several express disappointment that it uses the older A16 Bionic chip rather than the A17, questioning the "powerful" claim in the press release. Some see it as a cynical move by Apple to segment the market and push users towards the more expensive standard iPhone 16. The price point is also a source of contention, with many feeling it's overpriced for the offered specifications, especially compared to competing Android devices. A few commenters, however, appreciate Apple offering a smaller, more affordable option, acknowledging that not everyone needs the latest processor. The lack of a USB-C port is also criticized.
LangTurbo offers a new approach to language learning by focusing on rapid vocabulary acquisition. It uses spaced repetition and personalized learning paths to help users quickly learn the most frequent words and phrases in a target language. The platform features interactive exercises, progress tracking, and aims to make language learning faster and more efficient than traditional methods. It emphasizes practical communication skills, promising to equip learners with the vocabulary needed for everyday conversations and basic fluency.
HN users discuss LangTurbo, a language learning platform incorporating AI. Several commenters express skepticism about the claimed efficacy of AI in language learning, particularly regarding pronunciation correction and personalized feedback. Some find the pricing concerning, especially for users outside the US. Others question the platform's novelty, comparing it to existing tools like Duolingo and Anki. A few express interest in trying the platform but remain cautious, desiring more evidence of its effectiveness beyond marketing claims. Overall, the reception is mixed, with a prevalent theme of cautious curiosity tempered by skepticism about AI's role in language acquisition.
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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.