Pebble Founder's New Smartwatches Target 30-Day Battery Life with Open-Source OS

Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the original Pebble smartwatch, has unveiled two new devices, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, through his new venture, Core Devices. These smartwatches aim to revive the beloved Pebble experience, notably promising an impressive 30-day battery life on a single charge. The launch follows Google's recent decision to open-source the PebbleOS, paving the way for a new generation of e-paper wearables that prioritize simplicity and longevity.

The Core 2 Duo, priced at $149, is an updated iteration of the iconic Pebble 2, featuring a 1.26-inch black-and-white e-paper display and a lightweight polycarbonate frame. The more advanced Core Time 2, available for $225, boasts a larger 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper display, a metal frame, and, for the first time in a PebbleOS watch, a touchscreen. The extended battery longevity, a significant leap from the original Pebble's seven days, is largely attributed to advancements in Bluetooth chip efficiency over the past decade. Migicovsky noted the theoretical hardware minimum for battery, stating, > "With a 200mAh battery...that's looking pretty darn good. Keep in mind this is theoretical min for the hw, PebbleOS has a lot more things running so it consumes more power. But it could always be more optimized..."

The open-sourcing of PebbleOS in January 2025 by Google was a crucial step, enabling Core Devices to leverage the vast ecosystem of over 10,000 existing Pebble apps and watchfaces. Migicovsky describes this undertaking as a "labor of love" rather than a typical startup aiming for millions of sales, driven by his personal desire for a smartwatch that prioritizes an always-on e-paper screen, long battery life, physical buttons, and hackability. Both new models include a speaker, an improved vibration motor, and more reliable buttons, enhancing the core Pebble experience.

Core Devices positions these new smartwatches as a distinct alternative to mainstream offerings like the Apple Watch, appealing to users who value extended battery life, a simple interface, and a customizable, open-source platform. Pre-orders are currently open via store.rePebble.com, with the Core 2 Duo expected to begin shipping in July 2025, and the Core Time 2 following in December 2025. While the new watches aim for broad compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, Migicovsky has acknowledged potential limitations with certain iOS features due to Apple's third-party restrictions, a long-standing challenge for non-Apple smartwatches.