After breaking Kickstarter records earlier this year with its crowdfunded smartwatch campaign, Pebble says it’s ready to begin shipping pre-orders of the new Pebble Time smartwatch this week.
Pebble, the company that launched the smartwatch revolution, announced a new version of the iconic device last year.
Here’s a look at the new smartwatch from PocketNow:
The company says on its website:
“With an always-on color E-Paper display, up to 7 day battery life, durable glass lens, and thin, curved ergonomic design, you’ll love wearing Pebble Time anywhere and everywhere. From the gym to the dinner table, from morning sun to the wee hours, Time keeps you connected while living in the moment.”
One key feature of the new Pebble Time smartwatch is a new timeline interface that turns notifications and news into “pins,” allowing users to keep track of past, present and future updates.
Other features include:
- A battery life of up to seven days as well as water resistance for up to 30 meters.
- Fitness and sleep tracking, compatibility with Pandora.
- iHeartRadio and other music services.
- Access to an app store with more than 8,000 apps.
There’s also a microphone which allows users to send voice replies to incoming notifications and record short voice notes.
The Pebble Time smartwatch works with any iPhone 4S and above, and any Android device running version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and above.
The campaign to fund this version of the new Pebble Time smartwatch has brought in more than $20 million, putting it at the top of Kickstarter’s list of most-funded projects.
It was actually Pebble’s second attempt at watch crowdfunding. In 2012 the company ran a campaign to launch its first watch, taking in $10 million. As of this week, it was Kickstarter’s third-most-funded campaign.
The Pebble Time smartwatch retails for $199 and is available from Pebble’s website, and from Best Buy, which will be the exclusive retailer for the watch.
Image: Pebble
Nice write up Tom.
How would you compare the Pebble with the Apple iWatch in terms of features and usability?
Aira Bongco
I was thinking the same thing. The Apple iWatch is gaining a lot of attention lately and other brands are also releasing their own version of the smartwatch.