You’ve probably heard that you can’t change the past. But let’s look at Pebble. In a surprising twist, this smartwatch pioneer is back with a bang in 2025. They’ve just announced the Pebble Round 2, and founder Eric Migicovsky aims to correct past mistakes.
The Pebble Round 2 follows the Pebble Time Round from 2015, which received mixed reviews. While it was a sleek watch with a stunning round display, issues like poor battery life and durability plagued it. The original price of $249 felt steep for many.
With the Round 2, Pebble has addressed these concerns. The bulky bezel is gone, and its new 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen now stretches edge-to-edge. You can see the time clearly, even from odd angles, thanks to improved visibility. Less glare also enhances the display experience.
Battery life is a victory here, too. The Round 2 boasts over two weeks of use on a single charge—a major plus for loyal Pebble fans. Plus, it retains a slim profile at just 8.1mm, making it a stylish alternative to bulkier smartwatches. Features like dual microphones enable voice interactions, and it tracks steps and sleep effortlessly.
Migicovsky emphasizes that Pebble wants to return to its roots, focusing on what users love instead of chasing every trend. As he noted in a 2022 essay, their previous attempt to broaden appeal didn’t resonate with loyal fans. Instead of adding complex features, Pebble aims for simplicity and fun, allowing users to customize their watch faces.
This revival comes at an interesting time. According to a recent survey by Statista, the global smartwatch market is expected to grow by over 20% annually, reaching around $100 billion by 2027. Pebble hopes to carve a niche in this growing market by sticking to its core philosophy.
For those curious, the Pebble Round 2 is available for pre-order at $199, shipping in May. If you’ve previously ordered a Pebble Time 2 and want to switch, you can easily do so.
In the world of tech, it’s refreshing to see a brand learn from its past, focus on their community, and bounce back with innovative yet straightforward products. It’ll be exciting to see how the Pebble Round 2 performs and how fans react!
Source link
Eric Migicovsky
