Pebble unveils steel version of color Time watch, announces 'smartstrap' accessory support
Pebble on Tuesday announced a steel version of its upcoming Pebble Time smartwatch, as well as a new expandable accessory port called "smartstrap" that could add functions such as GPS or heart rate monitoring.
The Pebble Time Steel will carry a $70 premium over the plastic version, selling for $250 for early adopters on Kickstarter. The device will sell for $299 when it becomes available at retail -- just $50 less than the starting price of an Apple Watch.
The new model features a larger battery offering up to 10 days of uptime. It's encased in CNC-finished 316L stainless steel, and comes with a premium leather and stainless steel strap.
The steel version of the Pebble Time is available in silver with a stone leather band, gunmetal black with a black leather band, and gold with a red leather band.
Existing Pebble Time backers can upgrade to the steel model by changing their pledge amount. The Pebble Time Steel is expected to start shipping in July.
The company also announced details on its new "smartstraps" for the upcoming Pebble Time series. This open platform will allow accessory makers to build extensions for the Pebble that add functionality not built into the base models, such as GPS or heart rate monitoring.
The smartstrap power contact is bi-directional, which means developers will be able to create accessories that either provide power to the Pebble, or receive power from the watch. The power draw to an accessory must not exceed 20 mA.
APIs to interact with smartstraps are not yet part of the developer preview, but the company said they will be publicly available several months after the Pebble Time begins shipping.
The Pebble Time was first revealed a week ago as the company behind it returned to its roots and initiated another Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund the project. It was another immediate smash success, blowing past its $500,000 goal almost instantly, and to date has raised more than $12 million from nearly 55,000 backers.
The second-generation smartwatch from Pebble adds a color e-ink display, seven days of battery life for the base plastic model, and voice input.
The Pebble Time Steel will carry a $70 premium over the plastic version, selling for $250 for early adopters on Kickstarter. The device will sell for $299 when it becomes available at retail -- just $50 less than the starting price of an Apple Watch.
The new model features a larger battery offering up to 10 days of uptime. It's encased in CNC-finished 316L stainless steel, and comes with a premium leather and stainless steel strap.
The steel version of the Pebble Time is available in silver with a stone leather band, gunmetal black with a black leather band, and gold with a red leather band.
Existing Pebble Time backers can upgrade to the steel model by changing their pledge amount. The Pebble Time Steel is expected to start shipping in July.
The company also announced details on its new "smartstraps" for the upcoming Pebble Time series. This open platform will allow accessory makers to build extensions for the Pebble that add functionality not built into the base models, such as GPS or heart rate monitoring.
The smartstrap power contact is bi-directional, which means developers will be able to create accessories that either provide power to the Pebble, or receive power from the watch. The power draw to an accessory must not exceed 20 mA.
APIs to interact with smartstraps are not yet part of the developer preview, but the company said they will be publicly available several months after the Pebble Time begins shipping.
The Pebble Time was first revealed a week ago as the company behind it returned to its roots and initiated another Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund the project. It was another immediate smash success, blowing past its $500,000 goal almost instantly, and to date has raised more than $12 million from nearly 55,000 backers.
The second-generation smartwatch from Pebble adds a color e-ink display, seven days of battery life for the base plastic model, and voice input.
Comments
Now we're getting somewhere. This is actually something I could get down with.
They actually look pretty good.
That looks like a VTech product compared to the AppleWatch.
Agreed, I'm not sure something looking like a 1990's LCD can compete in any way with a gorgeous retina display...
When the Apple Watch was announced, an electronically-connected strap seemed to be a natural for accessories -- such as a strap containing a squishy battery ...
Not iOS compatible...no thanks.
What are you talking about? Pebble watches are compatible with iOS.
But not to the level of AppleWatch, and they never will have that level of integration. Their functionality is extremely limited on iOS.
But not to the level of AppleWatch, and they never will have that level of integration. Their functionality is extremely limited on iOS.
Of course it won't have the level of integration as the Apple Watch; that's a given. But to say that it is not compatible with iOS is completely false.
If Pebble are happy to go this close to mimicking it, just think what Samsung will do!
Will Apple be able to prevent this? How do you defend such a simple shape or colours?
What are you talking about? Pebble watches are compatible with iOS.
My mistake, I must have been thinking of something else.
well all the retina goodness doesn't do much when it has no power left to display.
All about trade offs right now with smart watches
Not iOS compatible...no thanks.
except it is iOS compatible
I've always liked the idea of Pebble watches, but very surprised by the pricepoint. Only $50 cheaper than the Apple Watch.... surely this won't work in the longterm?????