Pebble Smartwatch is Back! - New Return Announced

Pebble's Unexpected Revival: From Kickstarter Success to Open Source Rebirth

In 2016, Pebble, the smartwatch manufacturer renowned for its highly successful Kickstarter campaign, unexpectedly ceased operations, ultimately filing for insolvency and being acquired by Fitbit. Subsequently, Fitbit integrated much of Pebble’s innovative software and utilized the expertise of former Pebble employees in the development of their Ionic smartwatch.

Early Challenges and the Rise of Apple

Some analysts suggest Pebble’s timing was simply premature. The launch of the Apple Watch in mid-2015 significantly altered the market landscape, drawing considerable attention and resources. However, attributing Pebble’s downfall solely to Apple’s influence – a phenomenon often termed “Sherlocking” – would be an oversimplification. Apple’s entry, in fact, stimulated broader public interest in smartwatches.

A Vision Lost in Growth?

Eric Migicovsky, Pebble’s founder and CEO, posits that the company’s rapid expansion and the addition of numerous features led to a divergence from its original core vision. This scenario, where a hardware startup falters due to overextension, is not unprecedented within the industry.

A Second Chapter Begins

Migicovsky is now poised for a new venture. “We’re restarting Pebble,” he announced to TechCrunch during a recent Zoom interview. This revival is made possible by a series of acquisitions: after Pebble was initially purchased by Fitbit, Fitbit itself was acquired by Google in 2021.

Google's Role in the Re-emergence

Google, now holding ownership of Pebble’s technology and intellectual property, intends to release the smartwatch brand’s software stack as open source. This decision stems from a desire to support the volunteer community that has continued to maintain functionality for Pebble watches since the original company’s closure in 2016, as detailed in a Google blog post.

New Hardware on the Horizon

By making PebbleOS openly accessible, Google is facilitating the creation of new third-party hardware. Migicovsky’s new smartwatch startup is positioned to be the first to capitalize on this opportunity.

Humble Beginnings and a Familiar Focus

The project is currently in its conceptual phase. A new brand name is still under consideration. Migicovsky is dedicating himself to the project full-time, anticipating accelerated progress with access to PebbleOS. He is presently the sole employee, with plans to add another team member around March.

A Return to Core Principles

The startup’s objectives are deliberately modest. Migicovsky aims to create the smartwatch he personally desires, given that his current Pebble device is now a decade old. “I’ve tried everything else,” he stated, emphasizing his high expectations.

Key Features of the New Pebble

According to a recent post on Migicovsky’s website, the core features will include:

• Always-on e-paper screen (reflective, sunlight readable, and non-distracting)
• Long battery life (minimizing the need for frequent charging)
• Simple and beautiful user experience (focused on essential features like time, notifications, music control, and weather)
• Physical buttons (for convenient music control without looking at the screen)
• Hackability (allowing users to customize watch faces and functionality)

Independent Funding and a Community-Driven Approach

Migicovsky has opted against seeking venture capital funding or launching another Kickstarter campaign. He is self-funding the project and intends to develop it incrementally, based on consumer demand.

A Dedicated User Base Remains

Regarding the potential for a continued audience for Pebble, Migicovsky jokingly remarked, “There are at least dozens of us.” He noted the active Pebble Subreddit, which remains vibrant eight years after the company’s closure, and the emergence of a small resale market for older devices.

A Passion Project with a Clear Vision

Migicovsky anticipates the company will cater to individuals seeking the specific features he has outlined. While it’s uncertain how many people share his preferences in a market now shaped by Apple, he is confident he is not alone. “This is a passion project. I have a vested interest in making the watch,” he affirmed.

Manufacturing in the Modern Era

Migicovsky has already visited Shenzhen to assess the current manufacturing landscape. He observed that hardware production has become significantly easier compared to a decade ago, when dedicated smartwatch factories were scarce.

Software as the Key

He believes the most challenging aspect of the project lies in software development. Fortunately, Google’s decision to open source PebbleOS has substantially simplified this process.