New Pebble smartwatch coming as Google opens source code

Remember Pebble? The smartwatch that started it all has been discontinued for the better part of a decade, but Google has just opened up the source code for Pebble OS to help keep those devices alive, and build new ones too.

In 2016, Fitbit acquired Pebble, cancelling devices that were planned by the small company and adding Pebble OS to its software arsenal. Fitbit never did anything major with Pebble’s software, though, beyond promising to keep smartwatches running through the end of 2017. When Google acquired Fitbit a few years later, Pebble OS once again fell under new ownership.

Now, Google is releasing the source code for Pebble OS.

In a blog post, Google reveals that the source code to Pebble OS is now publicly availably for download. The intention, Google explains, is to help the volunteer efforts that have kept Pebble smartwatches alive and running for the past several years, including the “Rebble” project.

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We are releasing most of the source code for the Pebble operating system. This repository contains the entire OS, which provides all the standard smartwatch functionality – notifications, media controls, fitness tracking, and support for custom apps and watchfaces – on tiny ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.

In another post, the leaders of the Rebble project state that some time will be needed to start using this code, with a new hackathon coming to speed up the development of new apps.

Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, expressed thanks to Google for opening the Pebble’s source code, and confirmed plans to build “a new Pebble-like smartwatch” running the open source version of Pebble OS. This isn’t a formal revival of the Pebble brand – Google officially still owns that – but it will effectively act as new Pebble smartwatches coming to the market, seeing as they’re coming from the man who led the project.

Eric explains:

This time round, we’re keeping things simple. Lessons were learned last time! I’m building a small, narrowly focused company to make these watches. I don’t envision raising money from investors, or hiring a big team. The emphasis is on sustainability. I want to keep making cool gadgets and keep Pebble going long into the future.

The new watch we’re building basically has the same specs and features as Pebble, though with some fun new stuff as well 😉 It runs open source PebbleOS, and it’s compatible with all Pebble apps and watchfaces. If you had a Pebble and loved it…this is the smartwatch for you.

There’s no timeline on when these new “Pebble” – it probably won’t be called a “Pebble” – but it sounds like it could be happening later this year.

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