A beloved name in classic gadgetry is set to re-enter the tech scene, as the founder of Pebble smartwatch, Eric Migicovsky, unveils his new venture, Core Devices. This brand aims to revive the essence of the Pebble experience with its upcoming products, the Core Time 2 and Core Duo 2. These upcoming devices are poised to capture the essence of what made Pebble unique, leveraging advancements while staying true to its nostalgic design roots, and are expected to launch later this year.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Founder: Eric Migicovsky
Brand: Core Devices
Product Names: Core Time 2, Core Duo 2
Pebble initially emerged as a pioneering force in the smartwatch industry, offering a vision of seamless functionality beyond the traditional wristwatch. However, as competitors like Apple Watch introduced more advanced options, Pebble eventually was overshadowed, eventually being sold to Fitbit, which itself eventually became part of Google. Recently, Google made the Pebble operating system open-source, allowing developers, including Migicovsky’s Core Devices, the freedom to innovate on Pebble’s software platform. While the Pebble name remains with Fitbit, Core Devices inherits its ideological legacy by producing these new watches with similar aesthetics and functionality.
The Core Devices lineup includes the Core 2 Duo, priced at $149 and set to arrive in July. This watch channels the spirit and look of the original Pebble 2, maintaining its black and white e-ink display and classic design. Despite its retro appearance, it incorporates modern enhancements such as a significantly longer 30-day battery life, attributed to more efficient Bluetooth technology, and the addition of an integrated speaker. These upgrades serve to enrich user experience without compromising the simplicity that Pebble fans cherished.
The higher-end model, the Core Time 2, expected to ship in December, elevates the Pebble Time 2’s appeal. Priced at $225, this version introduces a touch-enabled display, offering a more interactive user experience. Migicovsky has explicitly noted, however, that the focus isn’t on creating a full multi-touch interface akin to current high-end smartwatches. Instead, it is about enhancing functionality while preserving its authentic user interface. Additionally, it includes modern features such as a heart rate monitor, step counter, and sleep tracker, broadening its appeal to fitness enthusiasts.
While these two watches mark the beginning of Core Devices’ journey, they hint at a future that blends nostalgia with modern necessities. The timeless appeal lies in its design philosophy, yet the potential for innovation remains vast. Enthusiasts can expect further advancements, perhaps in the form of advanced fitness tracking features, while Core Devices continues to adhere to the guiding principles that defined Pebble’s success—simplicity, longevity, and user-centered design.
As Core Devices prepares its entrance into the competitive smartwatch market, it faces both the immediate task of appealing to devoted Pebble fans and the longer-term challenge of evolving its offerings in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. Whether it’s the appeal of the retro aesthetic or the promise of reliable performance, these products illustrate a strategic resurgence, ensuring that the spirit of Pebble endures, even under a different name.
