The Return of Pebble: A Chance to Rethink Smartwatches
The return of Pebble marks a moment to reconsider what we really want from a smartwatch. Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the original Pebble e-paper wearable, is back—this time with a new line of devices that channel the simplicity of that original success. The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 look and feel like a modern nod to Pebble’s legacy, ditching trends for character.
Why It Stands Out in a Sea of Similarity
Early footage of the new wearable doesn’t reveal flashy innovations or headline-grabbing features. But that’s precisely the point. Amid a landscape dominated by feature-packed devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google, the Core lineup dares to be different. The race to jam health sensors into sleeker bodies hasn’t left consumers all that thrilled. In contrast, Pebble’s throwback approach feels refreshing.
A Minimalist Design with Classic Controls
The Core 2 Duo mirrors the old Pebble 2 in form and function, featuring a modest 1.2-inch black-and-white screen and no touchscreen—just physical buttons for navigation. The $225 Core Time 2 adds a splash of modernity with a 1.5-inch color touchscreen and a heart rate monitor. While not flashy, these design choices emphasize simplicity and focus.
Tariffs, Pricing, and Manufacturing Realities
In a video update, Migicovsky explained the financial side of production. The Core 2 Duo is being manufactured in China, but to ease the blow of a steep 27.5% tariff, Core Devices plans to bulk ship units to the U.S. before distribution. That workaround could keep the additional cost to $10–$25 per unit. Still, pricing may fluctuate depending on how U.S. trade policies evolve—especially after Trump’s 90-day tariff pause on non-China imports ends.
Features Coming Soon: Complications, Beeper, and AI
Future plans include adding classic smartwatch “complications”—mini widgets for things like time or notifications. There’s also deeper integration on the horizon with Beeper, Migicovsky’s all-in-one messaging platform. He’s even looking at AI integration. One example is Bob.ai, an app powered by Google’s Gemini AI, which can provide fast answers to basic queries. Upcoming models may feature speakers to enable spoken responses from ChatGPT, extending their utility beyond text.
The Price of Nostalgia: Can Pebble Compete?
With a planned retail price of $150, the Core 2 Duo enters a tough market. While that’s a far cry from the $400 price tag of an Apple Watch Series 9 or 10, big-brand devices often go on sale shortly after launch. This puts pressure on Pebble’s revival to justify its lower specs and limited health features. Still, if there’s an appetite for unique, stripped-down wearables, Pebble may have found a niche.
That all hinges on whether Core Devices plans to cater only to nostalgic Pebble fans. Take Nothing, the company founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei—it’s carved out a space in the Android ecosystem by standing out with bold, transparent phone designs. Even its budget sub-brand, CMF, is offering compelling alternatives like the new Phone 2 Pro, which goes head-to-head with devices from Google and Samsung.
Migicovsky, in contrast to Carl Pei’s flashier approach, is taking a more understated path. There are no glowing “glyph” lights or bold stunts—just a quiet return to form. He’s banking on loyal fans and organic word of mouth rather than flashy tech features to carry the Core smartwatch. For him, the appeal of wearables is simple: convenient notifications and a touch of joy. “It’s fun,” he said, smiling as he showed a whimsical watch face featuring an octopus holding an ice cream cone. “I love having a device in my life that makes me feel happy.”
