Pebble Smartwatches make a comeback under the new name Core.
New Smartwatch Brand Core Offers Nostalgic Touch with Long Battery Life
In the realm of smartwatches, a new contender has emerged, promising a refreshing take on wearable technology. The new brand, Core, launched in 2025, is the brainchild of a team inspired by the original Pebble smartwatch. Known for its e-paper display, long battery life, and straightforward design, the Pebble watch left a lasting impression, and Core aims to carry on this legacy while incorporating modern features.
The Core team has unveiled two new smartwatch models: the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2. These watches are designed to maintain the essence of Pebble while offering enhancements such as a speaker, a linear actuator motor, compass, and barometer. The buttons have also been improved for better usability.
One of the most significant improvements is the battery life, which has been dramatically increased from Pebble's original 7 days to an impressive 30 days. This extended life is made possible through the use of e-paper, which is known for its efficient power usage.
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches are built upon the open-sourced PebbleOS software foundation, allowing for a community-driven approach to development. This means that users can expect continued support and potential customisations from the active Pebble community.
The Core 2 Duo sports a sturdy polycarbonate frame with four-button operation on the sides of the case. On the other hand, the Core Time 2 boasts touchscreen capabilities in addition to its four buttons. The Core Time 2 is also a little larger, with a 1.5-inch screen, and features a 64-color e-paper screen.
Both models are available for pre-order, with the Core Time 2 priced at $225. The Core Time 2 is set to ship in December, offering a perfect holiday gift for those seeking a smartwatch with a nostalgic touch and extended battery life.
It's worth noting that the original Pebble smartwatch gained significant popularity after its Kickstarter launch in 2012. Eric Migicovsky, the designer of the Pebble smartwatch, still wears his Pebble watch, which still functions. Despite being sold to Fitbit (now owned by Google) in 2016, the Pebble smartwatch has not had a new release or software update.
However, Migicovsky has been advocating for Google to release the open-sourced Pebble firmware to the public, which could potentially pave the way for further innovation in the smartwatch market. With the launch of Core, it seems that the spirit of the original Pebble lives on, offering a niche yet appealing alternative for those who want long battery life and simple, reliable smartwatch functionality.
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches, as part of the new brand Core that roots its style in the classic Pebble smartwatch, showcase a fusion of nostalgic charm and modern gadgetry, appealing to technology enthusiasts seeking a lasting battery life. As the team aims to deliver enhancements such as a speaker, motor, compass, and barometer, the watches' designs center around the essence of Pebble, ensuring a smooth transition into the realm of 2025 smartwatch technology.
