# PebbleOS Resurgence: Open-Source Smartwatch OS Receives a Fresh Boost
## The Comeback of Pebble
Pebble, the cherished smartwatch brand recognized for its straightforward, effective, and durable wearables, is on the rise again. This resurgence follows Google’s decision to release **PebbleOS** as open source, the operating system that supported Pebble smartwatches prior to the brand being acquired by Fitbit in 2016.
At present, Pebble’s original architect, **Eric Migicovsky**, alongside a group of developers, is embarking on **RePebble**, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing PebbleOS on contemporary hardware.
## What Is RePebble?
RePebble is a project aimed at getting **PebbleOS operational on current hardware**, ensuring that the smartwatch experience cherished by users continues. The endeavor is spearheaded by **Core Devices LLC**, a newly formed company that includes vital figures from the original Pebble community, such as a **Rebble board member** and a **Cobble developer**.
Migicovsky recently provided an update confirming that the team has successfully **executed PebbleOS on a test board** featuring a small monochrome display. This represents a crucial milestone in the quest to fabricate a new Pebble-style smartwatch.
## The Hardware Powering the Resurgence
While specifics regarding the final hardware are still unfolding, the RePebble team is investigating the **nRF52840 chipset**. This chipset boasts:
– **64 MHz Cortex-M4 processor with FPU**
– **1 MB Flash and 256 KB RAM**
– **2.4 GHz Transceiver**
– **Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Mesh support**
These attributes indicate that the upcoming Pebble-inspired smartwatch will preserve the **lightweight, power-efficient** essence of the original gadgets.
## What Lies Ahead for PebbleOS?
The forthcoming stage of the initiative involves **hardware development**. Migicovsky is heading to **Shenzhen, China**, to connect with **factories and suppliers** to assess manufacturing prospects.
He has stressed that the new device will adhere closely to the **classic Pebble experience**, with an emphasis on simplicity, extended battery life, and an open-source ecosystem that enables users to **modify and enhance the software**.
## How the Community Can Get Involved
With PebbleOS now **open-source**, developers and enthusiasts have the chance to contribute to the project. The Core Devices team has identified **small, medium, and large tasks** that contributors can engage with, all of which are available on their **GitHub repository**:
🔗 [Core Devices PebbleOS GitHub](https://github.com/coredevices/pebble)
Migicovsky has also invited users to express their enthusiasm for the project, remarking:
> *”If enough people are interested, we’ll build it.”*
## A Nostalgic but Contemporary Return
Pebble smartwatches were trailblazers in the wearable market, delivering **e-paper displays, week-long battery life, and a robust developer community**. Although the original company faced acquisition and closure, its legacy persists through endeavors like **Rebble** and the current **RePebble**.
Thanks to Google’s choice to **open-source PebbleOS**, the smartwatch community is presented with a remarkable chance to **revitalize and improve** one of the most adored smartwatch platforms.
For those who nostalgically recall Pebble—or those experiencing it for the first time—this revival might signify the dawn of a new chapter for **simple, effective, and customizable smartwatches**.
Would you purchase a new Pebble smartwatch if it became available? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀
