The OG Pebble watch set the standard for a generation of smartwatches. Pebble’s simple but effective interface, long battery life, and sunlight-readable e-ink display still haven’t been matched for the most part. It’s no surprise that Pebble enthusiasts cling to their devices, and an extraordinary amount of effort has been put into keeping these watches running despite official support being discontinued years ago.
Now that the Pebble operating system has been open sourced by Google, and the original creator, Eric Migicovsky, is bringing back the Pebble Watch, the community is excited about its prospects. While Migicovsky stated that the upcoming wearable will be similar to the original Pebble, here are five things I’d like to see in upcoming Pebble hardware.
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5
Advanced health and fitness tracking
Heart rate tracking with a dash of GPS
Fitness tracking is central to smartwatch use cases. Between step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and SpO2 analysis, effective fitness metrics are key to what users want from a modern smartwatch. The Pebble must match up with the best in the business to compete.
Moreover, health tracking isn’t entirely foreign to the Pebble platform, as the company introduced a model capable of tracking heart rate with the Pebble 2. However, that watch lacked GPS for basic fitness activities like outdoor runs. Something that can be easily remedied today.
The Pebble doesn’t need to rival fitness-focused brands like Garmin or Apple, but offering a solid set of health metrics would make it a more competitive option. Also, Pebble’s signature minimalist design could lend itself well to presenting health data in a clean and straightforward manner, avoiding the cluttered interfaces of some modern smartwatches. A user-friendly approach to fitness tracking that is simple but meaningful would set Pebble apart in a sea of data-heavy wearables.
Additionally, it’s important to consider how Pebble could integrate wellness reminders and mindfulness features. Something as simple as gentle reminders to take a break, drink water, or practice breathing exercises could elevate the user experience without overwhelming the user with data. Many of these features were possible with the original Pebble but required third-party apps.
4
Expanded app ecosystem
Quality over quantity
The Pebble launched with an app ecosystem and accumulated over a thousand apps over its lifetime. Developers also loved the platform for its simplicity and flexibility. With the Pebble OS now open source, there’s potential for a community-driven marketplace to thrive again.
While the Apple Watch sets the standard with its range of apps, a refreshed Pebble doesn’t need as many apps to succeed. Instead, it should focus on quality and allow the app store to flourish without restrictions. I can imagine the open source community developing several apps and use cases that wouldn’t fly on the Apple Watch.
The key here would be to maintain simplicity. Pebble doesn’t need flashy, resource-intensive apps. It should prioritize lightweight, functional software that enhances the user experience without bogging down the basic hardware.
Another interesting avenue would be to embrace unique niche applications. From retro-inspired games to productivity tools that leverage Pebble’s always-on e-ink display, the possibilities are endless. From an always-on Pomodoro timer to an interesting widget that displays PC stats with interval-based updates, there are many interesting opportunities.
Finally, open source platforms often thrive on creativity, and Pebble could become a hotbed for experimental but highly functional apps. Suffice it to say, I’m excited to see where app developers take the Pebble platform.
3
Extended battery life
One week is good, but one month is better
I’m asking too much since the Pebble was already a battery champion, lasting up to a week on a single charge. However, I’m used to the month-long battery life I get on my Garmin. There’s no reason why the Pebble, with its limited feature set, couldn’t achieve something similar. One way to extend battery life could be by incorporating solar-assisted charging, similar to my Garmin Instinct.
A small solar panel discreetly embedded into the watch face or bezel, even if it only provides a minor top-up throughout the day, could make a difference to outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who values long-lasting performance. This feature would be particularly appealing to users who travel frequently or engage in activities where charging options are limited.
Furthermore, power management innovations could play a crucial role. For example, Pebble could extend battery life without compromising on essential functions by adjusting app update or screen refresh times. Customizable battery-saving modes could also allow users to fine-tune their watch’s performance based on their needs.
2
Stronger smart home integration
Deeper integration with existing ecosystems
One of my favorite uses for my Apple Watch Ultra or Google Pixel Watch 3 is controlling my smart home. A potential Pebble watch will need similar integrations with popular platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, whether through on-screen controls or, preferably, voice commands.
I don’t anticipate official support anytime soon. But that’s where the open source nature of the operating system could help. Pebble could learn from other open source applications like Home Assistant and enable deeper hooks into existing smart home ecosystems.
Beyond basic control, imagine the potential for Pebble to act as a smart home command center on your wrist: custom automations triggered by a simple button press, notifications for security alerts, or a glanceable status dashboard for your home’s energy consumption. The open source community would come up with creative and powerful use cases.
1
A better display
A modern smartwatch needs a modern e-ink display
The Pebble’s e-ink display was a game changer for excellent readability outdoors and low power consumption, contributing to the watch’s legendary battery life. However, the resolution was far from satisfactory even then.
Technology has come a long way, and a display upgrade is due. A higher-resolution e-paper screen with improved contrast and color options would elevate the user experience without compromising battery efficiency. This would keep the always-on display feature intact while delivering sharper and more vibrant visuals.
Imagine glancing at your wrist and seeing crisp notifications, weather updates, or basic animations with improved clarity. The charm of e-paper displays is their simplicity, but the technology has evolved over the years. Pebble could strike a balance between readability and aesthetics while keeping things familiar.
Another consideration would be incorporating color e-paper technology. While this may slightly impact battery life, it would offer a visually engaging experience. Subtle use of color for notifications, calendar events, or weather indicators could make information more intuitive at a glance.
Can the Pebble Watch make a comeback?
The Pebble Watch has a rare opportunity to make a meaningful comeback in a smartwatch market cluttered with feature-heavy, battery-hungry devices. By focusing on enhancements like an improved display, advanced health tracking, an expanded app ecosystem, longer battery life, and smart home integration, it can carve out a niche as a more practical, efficient, and user-friendly option than the phone-on-your-wrist approach taken by others.
More importantly, it can stay true to its roots by keeping things simple, elegant, and functional, reminding us why we fell in love with Pebble. If the team behind its revival can deliver on even a few of these ideas, Pebble’s future looks bright. Who doesn’t love a good comeback story?
Moreover, Pebble’s community-driven approach is its secret weapon. In a world dominated by closed ecosystems and top-down innovation, the collaborative spirit that defined Pebble’s early days could be key to its long-term success.
Pebble has a chance to redefine what it means to be a smartwatch in 2025 and beyond. It doesn’t need to be the flashiest or most feature-packed device on the market. It needs the essential smartwatch features to be smart enough, reliable enough, and charming enough to win over hearts once again. Based on its track record, Pebble is up to the task.
