PebbleOS updated with third-party watchface support and iOS bug fixes
The Pebble team on Friday issued version 1.1 of PebbleOS, bringing a variety of bug fixes and improvements to the Bluetooth-connected smartwatch.
In addition to the boatload of bug fixes and operating improvements, the new firmware, announced on the company's blog, allows Pebble owners to use third-party watchfaces. When the device originally launched in January as a result of a wildly successful Kickstarter backing initiative, only six display options were available, running the gamut from a regular analog face to more unique designs like text readouts.
PebbleOS v1.1 also resolves a number of issues relating to power-management, crashes and syncing. Enhancements include faster performance, an option to disable the backlight via a wrist gesture and greater control of the vibrator motor.
From the Release Notes:
What's New
Added support for third-party watchfaces created by the watchface SDK (see the SDK release notes for more details).
Resolved power-savings issues causing impaired battery life when connected to an iOS device.
Improved the responsiveness and power-efficiency of several system applications.
Improved battery indicator to be more responsive and accurate.
Added an option to disable turning on the backlight using the accelerometer.
Added an option to disable the vibrating motor when a notification arrives.
Factory reset now removes all non-system applications and watchfaces.
"Allow Pebble to communicate..." pop-ups occur much less frequently on iOS.
Bug Fixes
Fixed a crash that occurred when an email is sent over MAP on iOS with an empty subject.
Fixed a crash in the music app that occurred when Bluetooth was disabled.
Fixed a crash in the music app if tracks were changed too quickly when paired with an iOS device.
Fixed an issue where non-fullscreen apps that aren't animated don't render properly.
Fixed an edge-case where Pebble would not properly connect to an iOS device.
Fixed an issue where multiple vibration patterns would run concurrently.
AppleInsider reviewed Pebble and found it to be worth the $150 price of entry.
In addition to the boatload of bug fixes and operating improvements, the new firmware, announced on the company's blog, allows Pebble owners to use third-party watchfaces. When the device originally launched in January as a result of a wildly successful Kickstarter backing initiative, only six display options were available, running the gamut from a regular analog face to more unique designs like text readouts.
PebbleOS v1.1 also resolves a number of issues relating to power-management, crashes and syncing. Enhancements include faster performance, an option to disable the backlight via a wrist gesture and greater control of the vibrator motor.
From the Release Notes:
What's New
Added support for third-party watchfaces created by the watchface SDK (see the SDK release notes for more details).
Resolved power-savings issues causing impaired battery life when connected to an iOS device.
Improved the responsiveness and power-efficiency of several system applications.
Improved battery indicator to be more responsive and accurate.
Added an option to disable turning on the backlight using the accelerometer.
Added an option to disable the vibrating motor when a notification arrives.
Factory reset now removes all non-system applications and watchfaces.
"Allow Pebble to communicate..." pop-ups occur much less frequently on iOS.
Bug Fixes
Fixed a crash that occurred when an email is sent over MAP on iOS with an empty subject.
Fixed a crash in the music app that occurred when Bluetooth was disabled.
Fixed a crash in the music app if tracks were changed too quickly when paired with an iOS device.
Fixed an issue where non-fullscreen apps that aren't animated don't render properly.
Fixed an edge-case where Pebble would not properly connect to an iOS device.
Fixed an issue where multiple vibration patterns would run concurrently.
AppleInsider reviewed Pebble and found it to be worth the $150 price of entry.