Pebble is bolstering its return to the smartwatch market with the announcement of the Pebble Round 2, a new device focused on affordability and long battery life. Unveiled shortly after the revival of the classic Pebble smartwatch and the launch of a low-cost AI smart ring, the Round 2 sports a rounded screen for a more refined aesthetic while maintaining the brand’s commitment to accessible pricing at $199. This new offering targets users prioritizing essential features and extended usability over advanced fitness tracking.
The company plans to begin preorders for the Pebble Round 2 on January 2nd, with shipping expected in May, according to a press release. The watch builds upon the company’s reboot strategy, mirroring the approach taken with the recent Pebble Time 2 release by reimagining a previously popular model. Existing Pebble Time 2 pre-order customers will even have the option to switch their orders to the new Round 2 if they prefer.
A Familiar Form Factor, Refined for Today’s User
Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky noted the original Time Round was a favorite, although not without its drawbacks. The primary improvement in the new model focuses on maximizing screen real estate. The previous rounded design utilized an octagonal glass piece with softened edges, surrounded by a significant bezel. Technology advancements now allow for a larger, more visually appealing round screen.
The Pebble Round 2 boasts a 1.3-inch color e-paper display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels at 283 DPI, doubling the pixel density of the 2015 Pebble Time Round. A backlight has been integrated to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. The watch operates on the open-source Pebble OS, providing compatibility with a range of existing applications.
Core Features and Trade-offs
While emphasizing affordability, Pebble has made deliberate choices about feature inclusion. The Round 2 provides basic health and activity tracking, including step counting and sleep monitoring. However, it notably lacks a heart rate monitor, distinguishing it from more comprehensive fitness and smartwatch alternatives.
This streamlined approach allows for an impressive battery life of 10 to 14 days on a single charge, a significant advantage compared to many modern smartwatches requiring daily or near-daily charging. Additionally, the device incorporates dual microphones enabling voice input and message replies – a feature currently limited to Android users due to Apple’s restrictions, but expected to expand to iOS devices within the European Union.
Physical buttons are strategically positioned for intuitive control. These allow users to manage calls, play/pause music, and navigate the interface without requiring visual confirmation, which can be useful in meetings or other situations demanding discretion. Migicovsky explained this design choice offers tactile feedback and reduces reliance on the touchscreen.
Design and Customization Options
The Pebble Round 2 features a slim profile at just 8.1 mm thick, slightly thicker than the original 7.5 mm, but maintaining a sleek aesthetic. It includes a stainless steel frame, accelerometer, and magnetometer for motion sensing. The watch ships with a silicone band and a Pebble charging dongle.
Customers can choose from three color options: matte black, silver, and polished rose gold. However, band compatibility varies by color – matte black supports 20 mm quick-release bands, silver supports both 14 mm and 20 mm bands, and rose gold is limited to 14 mm bands. Leather bands will be available for separate purchase.
Expanding Pebble’s Ecosystem
Pebble is prioritizing app support for the new device. Thousands of apps and watch faces within the Pebble Appstore are already accessible. Developers are encouraged to optimize their apps for the rounded display using the provided Software Development Kit (SDK). The company is also exploring integration with AI assistants like Claude, adding further functionality to the platform.
Looking ahead, Pebble is aiming to bring AI capabilities from its recently released AI smart ring to its smartwatches, including the Round 2, suggesting potential additions like real-time transcription and AI-powered responses. As the May ship date approaches, the focus will be on developer adoption of the new SDK and verification of app compatibility across the platform. The success of the Round 2 will likely hinge on Pebble’s ability to deliver a compelling user experience within its cost-conscious framework.
