Pebble’s Phoenix Act: Core time 2 and Core 2 Duo Smartwatches Rise From the Ashes
Table of Contents
- 1. Pebble’s Phoenix Act: Core time 2 and Core 2 Duo Smartwatches Rise From the Ashes
- 2. The Core 2 Duo: A Nostalgic Nod with Modern Tweaks
- 3. Core Time 2: A Colorful Evolution
- 4. Charting the Course: Technical Specifications Compared
- 5. charging Ahead: Modern Compatibility
- 6. A Lasting Vision
- 7. Wich features do fans of the original pebble watches, according to Anya Sharma, would they like to see in the next generation?
- 8. Pebble’s Rebirth: Exclusive Interview with Lead Designer, Anya Sharma
- 9. Core 2 Duo: A Focus on Simplicity and Durability
- 10. Core Time 2: A Leap Forward
- 11. Community and the Future of Pebble
- 12. Looking Ahead
Pebble is back,albeit in a new guise. The brainchild of Eric Migicovsky, the company that once revolutionized the smartwatch landscape is making a comeback with two new devices: the Core Time 2 and the Core 2 Duo. While Google holds the Pebble trademark, Migicovsky is forging ahead, promising upgraded versions of the beloved Pebble watches.
The Core 2 Duo: A Nostalgic Nod with Modern Tweaks
The Core 2 Duo, priced at $149, is designed to evoke the spirit of the Pebble 2. With a black-and-white screen encased in a polycarbonate frame (available in black or white), it’s slated for a July release. The design hearkens back to the original pebble 2, but with enhanced internals and sturdier buttons.
The Core 2 Duo boasts impressive features, balancing simplicity and functionality:
- 1.2-inch, always-on e-paper screen
- 30-day battery life
- Microphone and speaker (voice calls not natively supported)
- IPX8 water resistance (at least 3 meters underwater, but no dust resistance rating)
- Step and sleep tracking
- Physical buttons
- 22-millimeter standard watch strap
- Bluetooth connectivity
- no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity
- No GPS
- no NFC payments (“too hard to do as a small company, sorry.”)
- No heart rate monitor
- Barometer and compass
The absence of NFC payments might disappoint some U.S. consumers who are increasingly reliant on mobile payment options.However, the inclusion of a barometer and compass offers practical utility, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Such as, hikers in the Appalachian Mountains could use the barometer to anticipate changing weather conditions.
When asked about the “duo” moniker, Migicovsky quipped, “Du-over
” signaling a fresh start and a second chance to revitalize the Pebble legacy.
Core Time 2: A Colorful Evolution
Priced at $225,the Core Time 2 aims to be an enhanced version of the Pebble Time 2. Featuring a color touchscreen and a metal frame, this model is larger then the Core 2 Duo. The screen is “53% bigger and [has] 88% more pixels” than its predecessor, promising a more immersive user experience. The Core Time 2 is expected to begin shipping in December 2025.
Key features of the Core Time 2 include:
- 1.6-inch, always-on e-paper screen
- 64-color display
- Touchscreen
- 30-day battery life
- Microphone and speaker (voice calls not natively supported)
- IPX8 water resistance
- Step and sleep tracking
- Physical buttons
- 22-millimeter standard watch strap
- Bluetooth connectivity
- No Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity
- No GPS
- No NFC payments
- Heart rate monitor
Notably, the Core Time 2 forgoes the barometer and compass found in the Core 2 Duo but adds a heart rate monitor. Migicovsky explained that the inclusion of the barometer and compass in the Core 2 Duo was “as a favor to a freind.
” This addition caters to users focused on health and fitness,aligning with the growing trend of wearable health monitoring in the U.S. market.
Charting the Course: Technical Specifications Compared
Below is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two models:
| Feature | Core 2 Duo | Core Time 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $225 |
| Screen | 1.2-inch, Black & White | 1.6-inch, 64-Color Touchscreen |
| Casing | Polycarbonate | Metal |
| Battery Life | 30 days | 30 days |
| Heart Rate Monitor | No | yes |
| Barometer/Compass | Yes | No |
| shipping Date | July | December 2025 |
While neither watch includes GPS, developers can leverage a smartphone’s GPS for mapping and fitness applications. This approach is common among minimalist wearables, such as Whoop and certain Fitbit models, offering a balance between functionality and battery life.
charging Ahead: Modern Compatibility
The new watches will feature a charging connector that plugs into a USB-C cable, blending old Pebble charger compatibility with modern standards. This eliminates the need for proprietary charging cables, aligning with the trend towards global charging solutions. As Coros did with its Pace Pro, this approach offers convenience for users.
A Lasting Vision
Migicovsky emphasizes a commitment to longevity and community-driven development. While immediate plans focus on the Core Time 2 and Core 2 Duo, the operating systems will be open source, encouraging developers to contribute features and enhancements. A discord server and github repository have been created to facilitate collaboration.
“We’re a gadget company, We make cool gadgets that we ourselves want and then sell them. No plans to make them for a wider audience,
” Migicovsky stated. However, he also added, “The goal is sustainability—the company is designed to potentially last forever.
“
This blend of focused product development with open-source collaboration positions the new Pebble venture as a unique player in the smartwatch market. By prioritizing community input and long-term viability, Migicovsky aims to recapture the spirit of innovation that defined the original Pebble.
Wich features do fans of the original pebble watches, according to Anya Sharma, would they like to see in the next generation?
Pebble’s Rebirth: Exclusive Interview with Lead Designer, Anya Sharma
archyde News Editor: Anya, thank you for joining us today.It’s exciting to see pebble back in the smartwatch game. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the new Core 2 Duo adn Core Time 2?
Anya Sharma (Lead Designer): Thanks for having me! It’s a passion project, really. The Core 2 Duo is a direct nod to the Pebble 2, a classic. We wanted to keep that simplicity and long battery life that people loved, while adding some modern touches.
Core 2 Duo: A Focus on Simplicity and Durability
Archyde News Editor: The Core 2 Duo seems to focus on the essentials. A monochrome e-paper display, physical buttons…What was driving that design philosophy?
Anya Sharma: We wanted a watch that you can rely on. The e-paper display gives us that incredible 30-day battery life, making charging a non-issue. Physical buttons provide tactile feedback and are easier to use in all conditions. We also prioritized ruggedness so the new Pebble is IPX8 waterproof and has a standard 22mm strap so it’s both user-amiable and durable.
Archyde News Editor: And the omissions like NFC and GPS?
Anya Sharma: For the Core 2 Duo, it was about balancing features with our resources and staying true to the minimalist ethos we were going for. Focusing on core functions meant we could deliver a great user experience with a competitive price point. We encourage the user to keep their phone handy and to use the phone GPS for mapping and fitness applications.
Core Time 2: A Leap Forward
Archyde News Editor: The Core Time 2,however,offers quite a few upgrades including a color touchscreen and heart rate monitoring. What’s the target audience for this particular model?
Anya Sharma: The Core Time 2 is for those who love the Pebble concept but are seeking the full modern smartwatch experience. The color screen is considerably brighter and larger than before, the metal frame adds a premium feel, and the heart rate monitor is a really vital addition for the fitness-focused audience. We are particularly interested in the U.S. market with this product.
Archyde news Editor: You’ve decided against the barometer and compass found in its counterpart. Why the change?
Anya Sharma: With the core 2 Duo, we aimed for a more specialized device for outdoor adventurers. With the Core Time 2, the goal was to deliver a watch that catered to the fitness community.
Community and the Future of Pebble
Archyde News Editor: Both watches are slated to have a 30-day battery life. How critically important is the open-source ecosystem to Pebble’s long-term success?
Anya Sharma: It’s crucial. We’re creating a community platform with a Discord server and a Github repository.We want to nurture the same passion for Pebble that existed before. The open source software lets us create better gadgets, and lets developers create great new functionality.it gives Pebble a enduring future, fueled by the users and developers who love the the project and are passionate about its evolution. We’ve got an exciting road map and plan on making cool gadgets that we want to use, forever.
Archyde News Editor: What is the team most excited about?
Anya Sharma: It is very exciting to see fans of the Pebble brand rediscovering and embracing the new Pebbles.Their enthusiasm drives the team. We have a lot of very cool ideas which we plan on exploring in the near future if the products are successful in the market. The new watch chargers are something we are also proud of. Bringing old Pebble charger compatibility with modern usb-c chargers makes life easier.
Looking Ahead
Archyde News Editor: Final question: What would you say to the original Pebble fans who are eagerly anticipating the return?
Anya Sharma: We’re listening! We’re building this for you. Your feedback,your ideas,they are all invaluable. the success of Pebble is based on its amazing community. Ultimately, the success of the new generation of Pebbles comes from building something really good for the community. We are striving to make Pebble a product that is worth your time and attention and hope to build a lasting legacy. What features do you, the Pebble community, want to see in the next generation of Pebble watches?
