# The Pebble Comeback: Eric Migicovsky’s Vision for a New E-Ink Smartwatch
In an unexpected announcement, Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the groundbreaking smartwatch company Pebble, has disclosed plans to reintroduce the e-ink smartwatch to the market. This move comes after several years away from the smartwatch arena and is motivated by a personal need for a device that fits his lifestyle and preferences.
## Why Choose This Moment?
Migicovsky’s inspiration for resurrecting Pebble arises from a perceived void in today’s smartwatch landscape. He conveyed his discontent with current choices, particularly pointing to the shortcomings of widely-used devices like the Apple Watch. In his announcement, he humorously remarked that Apple still hasn’t embraced third-party watch faces, a feature that epitomized the original Pebble experience.
## The Pebble Experience: User Desires
In his blog entry, Migicovsky detailed the key attributes he considers vital for a new-age smartwatch, which he feels are insufficiently met by existing products. Here are the primary criteria he highlighted:
1. **Always-On E-Paper Display**: The reflective characteristic of e-ink screens ensures they are easily legible in bright sunlight, providing a glanceable interface that is less distracting to those nearby.
2. **Extended Battery Life**: One notable advantage of e-ink technology is its energy efficiency. Users benefit from prolonged battery life, minimizing the inconvenience of frequent charging—something that many smartwatch owners find bothersome, particularly while on the go.
3. **Streamlined and Aesthetic User Experience**: Migicovsky promotes a user interface that is focused on essential functions such as time display, notifications, music controls, alarms, weather information, calendar access, and sleep/step monitoring.
4. **Physical Controls**: In contrast to many contemporary smartwatches that depend largely on touchscreens, Migicovsky underscores the significance of physical buttons for swift interactions, enabling music control without requiring a glance at the display.
5. **Customization Potential**: The first Pebble was celebrated for its active developer community, which produced an array of watch faces and apps. Migicovsky points out the scarcity of customization possibilities for Apple Watch users, emphasizing the allure of a hackable platform where individuals can design and share their own watch faces.
## The Future of Pebble
Although the timeline for the Pebble 2.0 launch is still unclear, excitement surrounding the announcement is tangible. Migicovsky’s strategy cleverly taps into common grievances about existing smartwatches, particularly the Apple Watch, positioning Pebble as a credible alternative.
In spite of the hurdles presented by Fitbit’s acquisition of Pebble’s intellectual property—now controlled by Google—Migicovsky has assured that the new Pebble will operate on its original operating system, thanks to Google’s choice to open-source it. This action not only upholds the legacy of Pebble but also facilitates ongoing innovation.
Furthermore, Migicovsky has unveiled plans for an iOS variant of the Cobble app, which will allow iPhone users to connect with the upcoming Pebble smartwatch. This marks a significant advancement, as the previous Pebble application for iOS has been discontinued for some time.
## A Fond Resurgence
As a previous Pebble owner, I can personally vouch for the distinct appeal and usability of the original devices. Before the rise of the Apple Watch, Pebble presented a refreshing alternative for users longing for a smartwatch that could play music and podcasts, rather than simply managing them. While my preferences have shifted, the concept of a smartwatch that complements a smartphone—rather than replacing it—continues to be attractive.
For those eager for the return of Pebble, Migicovsky invites enthusiasts to express their support at [repebble.com](https://repebble.com/). As anticipation grows for this nostalgic resurgence, many hope that the new Pebble will encapsulate the essence of what endeared the original model to its users.
## Conclusion
Eric Migicovsky’s intention to revive Pebble for the market signifies a rising demand for smartwatches that elevate user experience, personalization, and functionality. As the smartwatch ecosystem continues to advance, it will be fascinating to observe how the new Pebble distinguishes itself from established rivals like the Apple Watch. With a commitment to simplicity, utility, and user empowerment, the return of Pebble could genuinely connect with a new wave of smartwatch enthusiasts.
