Google’s open-sourcing of PebbleOS marks the return of the original smartwatch brand, Pebble. Founder Eric Migicovsky has developed new models that maintain the hackable and minimalistic essence of the original Pebble devices. Pebble has announced two new smartwatches: the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, which reflect the lineage of their predecessors.
Pebble Core 2 Duo
The Core 2 Duo features a 1.26-inch, 144 x 168 pixel black and white e-paper display without a touchscreen and boasts a plastic frame. It aims for IPX8 water resistance. Fitness functionalities include a 6-axis IMU, compass, and barometer, but it lacks a heart rate sensor, which is disappointing. However, it does offer step and sleep tracking. The watch has four buttons, a microphone, a speaker, and a linear resonance actuator for stronger vibrations. Battery life is an impressive 30 days.
Pebble Core Time 2
In contrast, the Core Time 2 sports a larger 1.5-inch, touch-sensitive 64-color e-paper display with a resolution of 200 x 228 pixels, framed in metal. It includes a heart rate sensor but omits the compass and barometer. Like the Core 2 Duo, it also features a 30-day battery life, 6-axis IMU, step and sleep tracking, and retains the same number of buttons.
Both models have a 22mm strap width, are compatible with Android and iOS, and come with a standard Pebble charger. Pricing differs, with the Core 2 Duo at $149 and the Core Time 2 at $225.
Pre-orders for both smartwatches are available in limited quantities via the RePebble Store. The Core 2 Duo is set to ship in July, while the Core Time 2 will be available in December.
What do you think about the new Pebble smartwatches? Are you planning to buy one? Let us know in the comments!
