Pebble is preparing to unveil its next-gen smart watch. Not another variant of the existing model like Pebble Steel, but an entirely new device that has a new software and many other novel features.
According to the 9to5Mac report, Pebble won’t be entering the race with Android Wear or even Apple Watch. For one thing, the Pebble 2 won’t have a touchscreen and will keep relying on the “good ol'” button-based controls. Keeping to its niche and existing user base sounds like a better strategy, anyway. Especially when you compete with giants like Apple, Samsung and Google.
Anyway, the new Pebble will include a new UI which has been revamped from the ground up, and a wider, e-paper like display to accommodate all the extra information. These would include timeline view of recent notifications as well new animations throughout the entire UI.
The Pebble 2 will also have a microphone, voice recognition, and a better backlight. Potential buyers will be able to choose between multiple color options, and “smart bands” equipped with sensors that will add functionality as time goes by.
At this point, we can’t be certain whether this is a winning strategy for the company that literally kickstarted the modern smart watch market. I once said that Pebble’s best bet is to open-up the platform and leave hardware making part to third parties. I still think that’s the best way forward for them.