Unique Desire for Novelty Showcased through the Alternative Watch Brand, Not-Pebble
Pebble Makes a Comeback with Affordable Smartwatch
Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of Pebble, is back in the smartwatch game with a new offering. The Core Time 2 smartwatch, a variant of the new device, is set to retail for $150.
The Core Time 2 sports a 1.5-inch color touchscreen display and a heart rate monitor, but unlike its competitors, it does not rely on a touchscreen for control. Instead, users can navigate the device through buttons.
Migicovsky, who enjoys smartwatches for the sake of easy-to-access notifications, is not focusing on overt smart features to attract customers to his alternative smartwatch. Instead, he finds joy in having a device that brings happiness, as demonstrated by a watch face featuring an octopus holding an ice cream cone.
The new smartwatch from Pebble resembles the decade-old Pebble brand, with a black and white 1.2-inch display. Despite its nostalgic design, the Core Time 2 is not directly competing with high-end smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9 or Series 10 in terms of price. It often goes on sale only a few months after release.
The market for lower-powered, less health-focused smartwatches depends on whether Pebble can attract a significant user base beyond those nostalgic for the Pebble ecosystem. Pebble is positioned to compete against larger brands in the smartwatch market, but it is not relying on flashy marketing tactics to build its brand. Instead, it is focusing on fan and word-of-mouth appeal.
The new smartwatch from Pebble includes upgrades such as integration of complications, deeper Beeper integration, and an AI companion. The AI companion could use technology like Bob.ai or ChatGPT to provide users with a personalised experience.
The person advancing the reissue of Core Devices' smartwatches is Aiden Brooks, who works at Core Devices headquarters in San Francisco. The new smartwatch from Pebble is being manufactured in China.
Meanwhile, Nothing, a company started by OnePlus alum Carl Pei, has managed to capture a chunk of the Android phone ecosystem with eye-catching transparent phones. Its CMF budget sub-brand is producing interesting alternatives to Pixel or Galaxy devices.
However, it remains to be seen whether the cost of the new smartwatch from Pebble will increase due to tariffs by $10 to $25. Despite this potential issue, the affordable price point of the Core Time 2 could make it a popular choice for those seeking a functional and stylish smartwatch without breaking the bank.
