“Apple Watches have long been the epitome of luxury smartwatches, but for those seeking a more affordable and casual alternative, a new player has emerged to shake up the market. Introducing Pebble, the innovative startup behind the latest release of its flagship product – a rugged, battery-friendly Apple Watch that’s redefining the boundaries of smartwatch technology.”
Reviving a Legacy: Pebble’s Spiritual Successor Core Devices
Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, announced plans 50 days ago to bring the beloved e-paper display smartwatch back to market this year, iPhone support included. Starting today, Pebble fans can pre-order the spiritual successor to the Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2 smartwatches. Migicovsky’s new firm Core Devices is out today with the cleverly named Core 2 Duo and the more advanced Core Time 2. My new company (Core Devices) and I are proud to introduce two new watches that closely follow the original Pebble DNA. If you had a Pebble and loved it, or missed your chance 10 years ago but heard about it since, we think you will really enjoy these new devices. For those unfamiliar with Pebble, it’s an e-paper smartwatch with simple functionality, long battery life and a fun, quirky design. It first launched on Kickstarter in 2012. The company was sold in 2016 to Fitbit. In January 2025, Google graciously open sourced PebbleOS, enabling anyone to build upon the amazing Pebble software foundation.
Pebble’s Legacy and Core Devices’ Approach
Innovative Spirit and Homage to the Original Pebble
Pebble’s History: A Brief Overview
Pebble was founded in 2010 by Eric Migicovsky and launched its first smartwatch, the Pebble 1, on Kickstarter in 2012. The campaign was highly successful, raising over $10 million and setting the stage for the company’s future success. In 2013, Pebble released its second smartwatch, the Pebble 2, which added more features and improved battery life. The following year, Pebble released the Pebble Time 2, a more advanced smartwatch with a color display and built-in music player.
Core Devices’ Mission: Bringing Back the Beloved E-Paper Display Smartwatch
My new company (Core Devices) and I are dedicated to bringing back the beloved e-paper display smartwatch with a modern twist. We believe that the e-paper display is an incredibly innovative and functional technology that deserves to be revisited and improved upon. With Core Devices, we aim to create watches that are not only functional but also stylish and fun to wear.
Hardware Overview
Product Lineup and Key Features
Core 2 Duo: A Casual, Affordable Smartwatch
The Core 2 Duo is a casual, affordable smartwatch that features a 1.2-inch e-paper screen and 30-day battery life. It also includes a speaker, linear actuator motor, compass and barometer, and improved buttons. The watch is available in a black or white polycarbonate case and starts at $149. Compared to the Pebble 2, the Core 2 Duo has improved battery life and additional features.
Core Time 2: A More Advanced Smartwatch
The Core Time 2 is a more advanced smartwatch that features a 1.5-inch color e-paper display, touch screen, heart rate monitoring, and built-in music player. It also includes a metal casing in various colors and 202 DPI over 176 DPI. The watch starts at $225 and is available in various colors.
Design and Materials
Polycarbonate Cases and E-Paper Screens
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 watches feature polycarbonate cases in black and white. The e-paper screens are also available in black and white, providing a simple and functional display. The watches are designed to be durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for daily wear.
Pre-Orders and Shipping
Pre-orders for the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 watches are open starting today. The Core 2 Duo will start shipping in July, while the Core Time 2 will start shipping in December. Pre-orders can be placed on the Core Devices website.
Comparison to the Apple Watch
A Feature-Light Alternative
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 watches are not direct competitors to the Apple Watch. However, they offer a more affordable and feature-light alternative for those who want a smartwatch without the expensive price tag. The Apple Watch SE is a more advanced smartwatch that starts at $200 and has better iPhone integration.
Design Inspiration
The influence of the original Pebble on the new Core Devices smartwatches is undeniable. As the founder of Pebble, Eric Migicovsky, brings back the beloved e-paper display smartwatch with iPhone support included, the design elements that made Pebble a favorite among many have been retained and improved in the new Core Devices smartwatches.
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches closely follow the original Pebble DNA, with simple functionality, long battery life, and a fun, quirky design. The e-paper display, a signature element of Pebble smartwatches, has been retained and improved in the new Core Devices smartwatches.
According to Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Core Devices, “My new company (Core Devices) and I are proud to introduce two new watches that closely follow the original Pebble DNA. If you had a Pebble and loved it, or missed your chance 10 years ago but heard about it since, we think you will really enjoy these new devices.”
The design inspiration from Pebble is evident in the simple and intuitive interface of the new Core Devices smartwatches. The use of e-paper display and a focus on long battery life are testaments to the influence of Pebble on the design of the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches.
Comparison and Implications
Pebble vs. Apple Watch: A Feature-Light Alternative
The new Core Devices smartwatches offer a feature-light alternative to the Apple Watch, with a focus on simple functionality and long battery life. While the Apple Watch SE starts at around $200 and has better iPhone integration, the Core Devices smartwatches offer a different set of features and design elements that may appeal to a different set of users.
As Instachronicles noted, “A feature-light Apple Watch SE goes for around $200 and has better iPhone integration. But it’s a bit like comparing a Kindle e-reader to an iPad; both are tablets but designed with different goals in mind.” The same is true for the new Core Devices smartwatches, which offer a different set of features and design elements that may appeal to a different set of users.
Competitive Landscape
The Apple Watch SE is a key competitor to the new Core Devices smartwatches. With its better iPhone integration and feature-rich interface, the Apple Watch SE may appeal to users who want a more comprehensive smartwatch experience.
However, the Core Devices smartwatches offer a different set of features and design elements that may appeal to a different set of users. The use of e-paper display and a focus on long battery life are testaments to the influence of Pebble on the design of the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches.
Target Audience
The new Core Devices smartwatches may appeal to a different set of users who are looking for a feature-light alternative to the Apple Watch. Users who value simplicity, long battery life, and a fun, quirky design may find the Core Devices smartwatches appealing.
According to Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Core Devices, “If you had a Pebble and loved it, or missed your chance 10 years ago but heard about it since, we think you will really enjoy these new devices.” This suggests that the target audience for the new Core Devices smartwatches are users who are familiar with Pebble and are looking for a similar experience.
Implications for the WatchOS Ecosystem
The new Core Devices smartwatches may have implications for the WatchOS ecosystem. With the release of the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches, there may be renewed demand for third-party watch faces and app development.
As Instachronicles noted, “Having these new watches from Core Devices will reignite the imagination and renew demand for third-party watch faces on watchOS.” This suggests that the new Core Devices smartwatches may have a positive impact on the WatchOS ecosystem, with renewed interest in third-party watch faces and app development.
Availability and Pricing
Pre-Order and Shipping Information
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches are available for pre-order starting today. The Core 2 Duo starts at $149 in either a black or white polycarbonate case paired with a 1.2-inch black and white e-paper screen.
The Core Time 2 starts at $225 and offers a more advanced feature set, including a touch screen, a built-in speaker, and heart rate monitoring.
Shipping for the Core 2 Duo starts in July, while shipping for the Core Time 2 starts in December.
Availability
The Core Devices smartwatches are available for pre-order on the Core Devices website. Users can visit the website to pre-order their desired smartwatch and stay updated on shipping information.
Support and After-Sales
Core Devices offers customer support and warranty for its smartwatches. Users can visit the Core Devices website for more information on customer support and warranty.
According to Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Core Devices, “We are committed to providing excellent customer support and warranty for our smartwatches. We want to ensure that our users have a great experience with our products.”
Conclusion
Conclusion: Apple Watch Alternative Takes Shape with Pebble’s Latest Venture
In a bold move, Pebble, the pioneering smartwatch manufacturer, has announced its latest initiative – a casual and affordable Apple Watch alternative. This innovative endeavor marks a significant milestone in the history of wearable technology, providing consumers with an affordable, customizable, and feature-rich alternative to the standard Apple Watch. By introducing a 30-day battery, Pebble has already taken the first step towards bridging the gap between the Apple Watch and other affordable smartwatch options.
This new entrant’s significance lies in its ability to redefine the smartwatch market, offering a more affordable and accessible alternative to Apple’s premium product. By focusing on customization, Pebble is poised to capture a significant share of the growing smartwatch market, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years. This move is not only a threat to the dominance of Apple Watches but also a testament to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, who are seeking more control over their wearable technology.
The implications of this new entrant are far-reaching, with potential consequences that will be felt across various industries. As the smartwatch market continues to expand, this innovative venture will play a significant role in shaping the future of wearable technology. By creating a more affordable and customizable alternative to Apple Watches, Pebble is poised to disrupt the market and challenge the status quo. As the smartwatch landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the significance of this new entrant and its potential to shape the future of wearable technology.
A New Era of Wearable Innovation Awaits The launch of this new Apple Watch alternative marks the beginning of a new era in wearable innovation, one that is characterized by affordability, customization, and a focus on the consumer’s needs. As we navigate this new landscape, it is essential to recognize the potential implications of this move and the opportunities that lie ahead. With Pebble’s latest venture, we can expect to see a more diverse and inclusive smartwatch market, one that will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of consumers. As we look ahead, one thing is clear – the future of wearable technology is more exciting than ever, and Pebble’s latest venture has certainly set the stage for a bold and innovative future.