• Pebble's founder, Eric Migicovsky, is reviving the smartwatch brand under the name Core Devices with the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 models.
• The Core 2 Duo is set to ship in July 2025, featuring a black-and-white e-paper display, familiar PebbleOS, and a $149 price tag.
• US customers may face additional tariff costs of $10-25 due to import fees, while international customers will have their orders shipped directly from Asia.

Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of the Pebble smartwatch, is making a return to the wearable tech market with his new company, Core Devices. The company is launching two new smartwatches: the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2. The Core 2 Duo, priced at $149, is designed to be a modern take on the classic Pebble 2, featuring a black and white e-paper display and the open-source PebbleOS. Migicovsky's efforts aim to provide a simpler, more focused smartwatch experience, differentiating itself from the feature-heavy offerings of Apple and Samsung.

• What: Core Devices, led by Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky, is launching the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches, aiming to provide a simpler smartwatch experience. The Core 2 Duo features a black and white e-paper display, while the Core Time 2 includes a color touchscreen. Both are designed to run the open-source PebbleOS.
• Who: Key individuals include Eric Migicovsky (founder of Pebble and Core Devices). Key organizations include Core Devices, Google (for open-sourcing PebbleOS), and Beeper.
• When: The Core 2 Duo is expected to ship in July 2025, and the Core Time 2 is expected to ship in December 2025.
• Where: The smartwatches are manufactured in Shenzhen, China. Shipping will occur from Asia for international orders, and potentially from the US for domestic orders after bulk import.

The return of Pebble under the Core Devices banner represents a potential shift in the smartwatch market. While major players like Apple and Samsung focus on adding features and health sensors, the Core 2 Duo aims for simplicity and a more streamlined user experience. The success of this approach will depend on whether there is a sufficient market for a less feature-rich, more affordable smartwatch, particularly among users nostalgic for the original Pebble. The tariff situation introduces uncertainty, but Migicovsky's strategy of bulk importing aims to mitigate the impact on consumers.

It’s fun. I love having a device in my life that makes me feel happy.

Core Devices' revival of the Pebble smartwatch with the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 signifies more than just a nostalgic return; it represents a calculated effort to capture a specific segment of the smartwatch market that values simplicity, long battery life (up to 30 days), and a customizable, community-driven experience. While challenges remain, including potential tariff costs that could add $10 to $25 to the price and competition from established brands, several factors contribute to a potentially successful venture. The open-source PebbleOS platform grants access to over 10,000 existing apps and watch faces, offering a level of personalization not always found in mainstream smartwatches. The focus on essential features, like notifications, fitness tracking, and a user-friendly interface, coupled with the enduring appeal of physical buttons, distinguishes the Core smartwatches from the increasingly complex offerings of competitors. Furthermore, the limited production run of the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 could create a sense of exclusivity, driving early adoption and fostering a dedicated user base reminiscent of the original Pebble community. Ultimately, the success of Core Devices hinges on balancing cost-effectiveness with the delivery of a reliable and appealing product that resonates with consumers seeking a refreshing alternative in a saturated smartwatch market.