Pebble Smartwatch Makes Triumphant Return as Founder Announces New Hardware

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In an exciting development for tech enthusiasts and smartwatch fans, Pebble, the pioneering smartwatch brand that captured hearts through its revolutionary Kickstarter campaign in 2012, is making an unexpected comeback. The announcement comes alongside Google's decision to open-source the Pebble operating system, breathing new life into the beloved platform.

Eric Migicovsky, Pebble's original founder, revealed on Tech News Weekly to Mikah Sargent that he's planning to create new Pebble hardware, but with a notably different approach from the company's previous iteration. "I decided to start making new Pebble watch hardware, hardware that will run Pebble OS," Migicovsky shared. "We're going to do it a little bit differently this time... The name of the game is sustainability."

The revival comes at a time when the original Pebble devices are becoming increasingly scarce. Despite their age, many original Pebble watches continue to function perfectly, showcasing the quality of their initial design. The watches have maintained their appeal thanks to their distinctive features, including an always-on e-paper display, week-long battery life, and physical buttons for easy navigation.

What makes this return particularly interesting is Migicovsky's commitment to keeping the project independent and sustainable. Unlike the venture-backed approach of the original Pebble, the new iteration will start small and grow organically. "We're not going to try to do too much all at once," Migicovsky explained. "We're going to build a watch and get it out there and see what people think."

Mikah Sargent noted the unique position of Pebble in tech history, reflecting on its cultural impact: "It was for me that moment of excitement of not only a Kickstarter project being a success and being part of that, but also it actually shipping. So all of that is built into this totem that is the Pebble smartwatch."

For those wondering what to expect from the new Pebble, Migicovsky emphasizes that the new watch will stay true to its roots. The focus will be on maintaining the core features that made Pebble special: excellent battery life, always-on display, and practical functionality. The project aims to serve the dedicated community that has kept Pebble alive through initiatives like the Rebble Alliance, which has maintained the platform's services since Pebble's acquisition by Fitbit in 2016.

Those interested in following the development of the new Pebble can sign up for updates at repebble.com, where the team will share information about the project's progress and opportunities to get involved with the community.