Smartwatch Manufacturer Revives Pebble Brand, Renaming It to Pebble Core
In the realm of smartwatch technology, a new player is making waves. Originally known as Core Devices, the company has recently reacquired the Pebble trademark, and with it, a fresh lineup of smartwatches has been unveiled. The two models, previously named Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, will now be known as Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2 respectively.
The Pebble 2 Duo, positioned as a reboot for the Pebble experience, is set to offer an improved take on the classic design. Early units have already been shipped to beta users, and the price has been set at an accessible $149. The smartwatch boasts some enhancements in dust and water resistance compared to earlier plans, and a revamped Pebble app will be released alongside it.
On the other hand, the Pebble Time 2, a higher-end model, promises enhanced hardware and features. It features an industrial design with improvements over earlier previews. The watch sports a stainless steel front and back, with stainless steel buttons reminiscent of the Pebble Time Steel. The Pebble Time 2 also includes a multicolor RGB LED backlight, a second microphone for potential environmental noise cancellation, a compass sensor, and a screw-mounted back cover for durability.
The Pebble 2 Duo, similar to its predecessor, sports a 1.2-inch black-and-white e-paper LCD screen, while the Pebble Time 2 boasts a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper touchscreen. The Pebble 2 Duo, like the Pebble 2, has a sturdy polycarbonate frame with four-button operation, whereas the Pebble Time 2 sports a metal case.
Both the Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2 smartwatches are designed to prioritize function over form, aligning with the smartwatch market of 2025. They come equipped with IPX8 water resistance, a built-in microphone and speaker, and can be used to listen to music or chat with digital assistants.
The Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2 smartwatches are expected to launch in July, with the Pebble 2 Duo available for pre-order now on Core's website for $149. The Pebble Time 2, initially slated for a July release, has been delayed until late August 2025 to improve waterproofing; a speaker has been added and needs waterproofing as well. The Pebble Time 2 will be available for pre-order at $225, shipping in December.
The supplier of the screen for the Pebble 2 Duo also supplied frames for the Pebble, further emphasizing the connection between the two brands. With the return of Pebble, it seems that the legacy of the beloved smartwatch brand lives on, with improvements in design, sensors, and connectivity.
The Pebble 2 Duo, now under the Pebble brand, aims to recreate the original Pebble experience with an updated design and enhanced technology, offering a more durable build at an affordable price of $149.
The Pebble Time 2, a premium offering from Pebble, promises cutting-edge hardware and features, such as a multicolor RGB LED backlight, a second microphone, a compass sensor, and a screw-mounted back cover, setting it apart from its predecessor at a price of $225.
