Core devices pebble time 2 smartwatch review

If you’re wondering about the “Core devices Pebble Time 2 smartwatch review,” you’re actually looking at the exciting return of a beloved brand, reimagined by its original creator, Eric Migicovsky, and his company, Core Devices. This isn’t just a simple review. it’s a peek into a smartwatch that many thought would never see the light of day, now being brought back with modern twists and the classic Pebble spirit. Originally teased in 2016 before Pebble’s acquisition by Fitbit, the Pebble Time 2 was a dream deferred for many enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2025, and Migicovsky’s new venture has successfully regained the “Pebble” trademark, officially renaming their highly anticipated “Core Time 2” to the “Pebble Time 2*.” This updated smartwatch is poised to ship in December 2025, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary functionality at $225. It’s a device crafted not to compete head-on with feature-packed giants like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, but rather to cater to a specific crowd: those who value an always-on e-paper display, incredible battery life, physical buttons, and an open-source, hackable platform. This is a project born out of passion, promising an “awesome” and “fun” experience, though its limited availability and a notably short 30-day warranty signal it’s a device for the truly dedicated.

The Return of a Legend: What is the Pebble Time 2*?

It’s truly something special when a tech legend gets a second shot, and that’s exactly what’s happening with the Pebble Time 2*. After almost a decade, Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the original Pebble smartwatches, has brought back the iconic e-paper display and a design philosophy that many in the tech world have sorely missed. This isn’t just a rehash. it’s a “do-over” that keeps everything we loved while throwing in some sweet modern upgrades.

A Brief History of Pebble and its Revival

Back in 2012, Pebble shook up the wearable world with its groundbreaking Kickstarter campaign, effectively kicking off the smartwatch revolution. Folks were instantly drawn to its simple design, always-on e-paper display, and week-long battery life, a stark contrast to the power-hungry smartwatches that would follow. Pebble followed up with several successful models, including the Pebble Time, which introduced color e-paper. Then came the announcement of the Pebble Time 2 in 2016, promising a larger color screen, heart rate monitoring, and a premium metal build. The anticipation was real, but sadly, that dream was cut short. In a move that broke many hearts, Pebble was acquired by Fitbit which later became part of Google in late 2016, leading to the cancellation of the Pebble Time 2 and refunds for its Kickstarter backers.

For years, the Pebble community kept the flame alive through third-party servers and passionate developers. Then, in January 2025, a glimmer of hope appeared: Google graciously open-sourced PebbleOS, the software that powered these beloved watches. This pivotal moment opened the door for Migicovsky to launch Core Devices, his new company dedicated to reviving the Pebble spirit. It’s a real testament to his passion for smartwatches that truly respect your time.

Why the Asterisk? Understanding the New Branding

When Core Devices first unveiled its new watches, they were named Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. However, a significant development in July 2025 saw Migicovsky and his team successfully regain the original “Pebble” trademark. This meant a brand refresh, and the “Core Time 2” officially became the “Pebble Time 2*.”

So, what’s with the asterisk? It’s a clever little mark that signifies this isn’t exactly the same Pebble Time 2 that was canceled in 2016. While it keeps the spirit and many of the original intentions, Core Devices has introduced some modern enhancements. For instance, the original Pebble Time 2 was projected to have around 10 days of battery life, but this new iteration boasts a whopping 30 days! Plus, it’s gaining a touchscreen, something the original 2016 design didn’t feature, alongside other subtle design tweaks. It’s a nod to its heritage while clearly stating that this is an evolved, improved version for today. Adesso easytouch 130 full sized wired mechanical keyboard review

Diving Into the Features: What Makes It Stand Out?

The Pebble Time 2* isn’t trying to be just another smartwatch. it’s aiming to be the smartwatch for a specific type of user. It brings back some classic Pebble charm while integrating some smart upgrades.

The E-Paper Display: Clarity and Color

At the heart of the Pebble Time 2* is its 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper screen. For those unfamiliar with e-paper, think of it like the screen on a Kindle e-reader – it’s always on, incredibly power-efficient, and easy to read even in direct sunlight. This particular display is the same beautiful screen that was intended for the original, unreleased 2016 Pebble Time 2, but it’s 53% larger and boasts 88% more pixels than previous Pebble models. This means you get a lot more screen real estate, making notifications and apps much easier to read without squinting.

One exciting new addition is the touchscreen functionality, a first for a PebbleOS watch. While physical buttons remain the primary way to interact a Pebble hallmark, the touchscreen will be handy for “complications” – those quick, glanceable bits of information on your watch face that you can tap to jump directly into an app. Imagine tapping a weather complication to open the full weather app – super convenient! The display also features a flat hardened glass lens designed to cut down on glare and reflections, and a multicolor RGB LED backlight with color temperature control, so your watch face will look good and be readable in all sorts of lighting conditions.

Epic Battery Life: A Smartwatch Game Changer

Let’s be real, daily charging is a pain point for most smartwatches out there. That’s where the Pebble Time 2* truly shines. It boasts an incredible 30-day battery life on a single charge. Seriously, 30 days. This is a massive leap from the 7-day or 10-day battery life of previous Pebble models and absolutely shames most mainstream smartwatches that barely last a day or two. This extended battery life is largely thanks to huge advancements in Bluetooth chip power efficiency over the last decade. Imagine going on a month-long trip without needing to pack another charger, or simply forgetting about charging your watch for weeks on end. It’s liberating and fundamentally changes how you use a wearable device. Vuzix LX1 Smart Glasses: Your Everyday Wearable Tech Companion? Not Quite, But a Game-Changer for the Warehouse!

Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel, Practicality in Mind

The Pebble Time 2* sports a significant upgrade in its build materials. Gone are the plastic days of some earlier Pebbles. this new watch features a 316 stainless steel chassis for both the front and back, giving it a premium, durable feel. The buttons are also made of stainless steel and are knurled, reminiscent of the classic Pebble Time Steel – a nice nod to its roots. This watch is built to last, not just look pretty.

It’s designed with practicality in mind, including a screw-mounted back cover, which hints at better serviceability compared to many modern, sealed smartwatches. While the initial renders were a bit more angular, the final design has a slightly more curved frame and angled top and bottom buttons, making it feel both familiar and fresh. Plus, it uses standard 22mm quick-release watch straps, so you can easily swap them out to match your style.

Smart Features and Open-Source Spirit

Running on the now open-source PebbleOS, the Pebble Time 2* offers a truly unique software experience. This means it’s compatible with over 10,000 existing Pebble apps and watchfaces, giving you a massive ecosystem right out of the box. While Core Devices isn’t planning extensive firmware development themselves, the open-source nature means the community can contribute, innovate, and keep the platform alive and thriving.

You’ll get all the core Pebble features you know and love:

• Notifications: Get alerts from your phone right on your wrist.
• Timeline: A unique chronological view of your day, showing past events, current information, and future appointments.
• Alarms and Timers: Essential watch functions.
• Podcast Control: Manage your tunes directly from your wrist.
• Microphone and Speaker: These are included for potential app interactions, like talking to an AI assistant think ChatGPT integration rather than phone calls, and dual microphones might even support environmental noise cancellation in the future.

Health and Fitness Tracking

While not positioned as a dedicated fitness tracker, the Pebble Time 2* does cover the basics. It includes a heart rate monitor, along with step and sleep tracking. This means you can keep an eye on your activity levels and sleep patterns without needing a separate device. For outdoor enthusiasts, the addition of a compass and barometer sensors provides extra utility, whether you’re hiking or just curious about the weather changes. And of course, being IPX8 water resistant, you won’t have to worry about taking it off for a swim or when you get caught in the rain. Seanxt elite underwater scooter review

The Pebble Experience: Who is This Watch For?

The Pebble Time 2* isn’t for everyone, and Core Devices is pretty upfront about that. It’s a niche product designed with a very specific user in mind.

The Anti-Smartwatch Smartwatch

In a world filled with smartwatches that try to do everything your phone can, the Pebble Time 2* deliberately takes a different path. It’s truly the “anti-Apple Watch” or “anti-Wear OS” device, focusing on a few core strengths rather than a massive, power-draining feature list. If you’re tired of daily charging, complex interfaces, and being constantly distracted by a tiny phone on your wrist, this watch might be your perfect match. It prioritizes glanceable information, long battery life, and straightforward functionality. It’s about connecting you to what’s important without overwhelming you.

For the Nostalgic and the Hackers

This watch is a love letter to the original Pebble fans – those who remember its charm and functionality fondly. If you had a Pebble before and loved it, or if you heard about its legendary status and missed out, the Pebble Time 2* is tailor-made for you. It’s also a dream come true for the developer community and tinkerers. With PebbleOS being open-source, the possibilities for customization, new apps, and unique watch faces are endless. Migicovsky himself has even mentioned offering an optional JTAG connector for those who want to dive into hacking the firmware. This focus on hackability sets it apart from virtually every other smartwatch on the market, appealing to those who love to get under the hood of their tech.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Pebble Time 2* is undeniably exciting, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. As a “labor of love” project from a small team, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The 30-Day Warranty Elephant in the Room

One of the most significant points of discussion and potential concern is the 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects. This is considerably shorter than the standard 1-year warranty you’d expect from most consumer electronics. Eric Migicovsky has openly stated that Core Devices is a small team reportedly just four people and they want to be transparent about setting expectations. They’re not a large corporation with extensive customer support infrastructure. While they aim for high quality, this short warranty means you’ll need to be comfortable with the potential risk, especially since the Pebble Time 2* is priced at $225. Some potential buyers, after considering this, have even decided to cancel their pre-orders, preferring a longer safety net for their investment. Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer: Your Next Kitchen Essential?

Limited Availability and a “Labor of Love” Mindset

Another crucial factor is the limited availability. Core Devices has stated that these watches will be sold exclusively through their rePebble.com store and in limited quantities. This is mainly due to a limited supply of the e-paper display components. Pre-ordering is strongly recommended, as the number of watches manufactured might even be less than the existing demand from those already signed up on the rePebble website. This isn’t a product aiming for mass market dominance. it’s a passion project, and that means managing expectations regarding supply and polish. Migicovsky himself has warned that there might be “some rough edges, potential delays, features missing at launch, and the possibility of things breaking or not lasting as long as desired.” This transparency is refreshing, but it reinforces that this is for enthusiasts who understand and appreciate the spirit of an independent, community-driven project.

Core Devices Pebble Time 2* vs. Modern Smartwatches

It’s helpful to compare the Pebble Time 2* with current smartwatches to understand its unique position.

As you can see, the Pebble Time 2* isn’t trying to beat the big players on every spec sheet. Instead, it offers a refreshing alternative, doubling down on what made the original Pebble so popular: an incredibly long battery life, an always-on display, and a straightforward, customizable experience. If you’re someone who values these attributes above all else, then this revived Pebble might just be the perfect companion for your wrist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Core Devices Pebble Time 2* smartwatch”?

The “Core Devices Pebble Time 2*” is the revived version of the unreleased 2016 Pebble Time 2, brought back by Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of Pebble, through his new company, Core Devices. It was initially called “Core Time 2” but was renamed “Pebble Time 2*” after Core Devices regained the Pebble trademark. The asterisk signifies that it’s an updated version with modern improvements. Segway gt3 pro review

When will the Pebble Time 2* be available, and what does it cost?

The Pebble Time 2* is currently available for pre-order exclusively through the rePebble.com website. It is expected to start shipping in December 2025 and is priced at $225 USD. Availability is limited due to supply constraints, so pre-ordering is recommended.

What are the main features of the Pebble Time 2*?

Key features include a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper touchscreen display, a 30-day battery life, a premium 316 stainless steel metal frame, heart rate monitoring, IPX8 water resistance, a microphone and speaker, step and sleep tracking, and compass and barometer sensors. It runs on the open-source PebbleOS and is compatible with over 10,000 existing Pebble apps and watchfaces.

Is the Pebble Time 2* an Apple Watch competitor?

No, the Pebble Time 2* is not designed to directly compete with high-end smartwatches like the Apple Watch. Instead, it offers a minimalist, function-focused experience with an emphasis on extremely long battery life, an always-on display, and physical buttons. It targets users who prioritize simplicity, customization, and a distraction-free wearable experience over advanced features like cellular connectivity or extensive app ecosystems.

What is the warranty like for the Pebble Time 2*?

Core Devices provides a 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects after you receive your order. This is a shorter warranty period than typically offered for consumer electronics, and it’s a point Core Devices has been transparent about, explaining it as part of their “labor of love” approach with a small team.

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