Pebble Returns: Core 2 Duo Smartwatch Aims to Revive Simplicity in a Smartwatch World
Remember Pebble? The simple, e-paper smartwatch that captured hearts with its focus on notifications and long battery life? Well, it's back! Eric Migicovsky, the original creator, is resurrecting the spirit of Pebble with his new company, Core Devices, and the upcoming Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches. But in a world dominated by Apple Watches and feature-packed devices, can this minimalist approach succeed?
Migicovsky recently showcased the Core 2 Duo on his podcast, Tick Talk w/ Eric Migicovsky, offering a glimpse into the development process. While still in its early stages, the demo reveals a device that stays true to Pebble's DNA. 
"It's fun. I love having a device in my life that makes me feel happy," Migicovsky said, highlighting the intended user experience. He aims to provide a device that prioritizes essential notifications and a straightforward interface over endless features. He enjoys smartwatches for the sake of easy-to-access notifications and showed off a watch face with an octopus holding an ice cream cone.
The team is actively working on PebbleOS, now open source, to ensure functionality, including drivers for essential features like vibrating notifications and the accelerometer. Progress is being tracked transparently on GitHub.
The Core 2 Duo boasts a polycarbonate frame, water resistance (IPX8), and compatibility with standard 22mm watch straps. It will also include a microphone and track steps and sleep, even with its monochrome display. The charging dongle is USB-C, magnetic, and keychain-friendly.
Migicovsky also addressed potential impacts of US tariffs on Chinese-made goods, as the smartwatches are manufactured in Shenzhen. While the current tariff rate is 27.5%, the exact effect on the Core 2 Duo's $149 price tag and the Core Time 2's $225 price tag remains to be seen.
Future enhancements may include watch face widgets, deeper integration with Beeper (Migicovsky's universal chat app), and potential AI voice agent capabilities. Thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), expanded iOS operability is also being considered.
The return of Pebble raises interesting questions: Can simplicity and a focus on core functionality carve out a niche in the crowded smartwatch market? Is there a demand for a less feature-bloated, more affordable alternative to the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch?
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the resurgence of Pebble and the Core 2 Duo in the comments below!