# Pebble Returns: Eric Migicovsky Reveals Revival Strategy Following Google’s Open-Sourcing of PebbleOS
In an unexpected development, Pebble, the once-adored smartwatch brand that endeared itself to technology fans, is set to make a return. Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, has unveiled ambitions to bring back the brand and introduce a new smartwatch influenced by the revered Pebble models. This news emerges shortly after Google’s choice to open-source PebbleOS, the operating system that powered the Pebble watches. The announcement has ignited enthusiasm within both the Pebble community and smartwatch aficionados.
## **The Pebble Saga: From Beloved Brand to Quietude**
Pebble pioneered the smartwatch sector, launching one of the inaugural successful Kickstarter initiatives in 2012. The company’s devices were recognized for their e-paper screens, week-long battery endurance, and customizable software. Pebble quickly attracted a devoted fanbase, especially among technologically inclined users who valued its hackable features and sleek design.
Nonetheless, in spite of its early triumphs, Pebble encountered financial hurdles as it tried to keep pace with larger competitors like Apple and Samsung. In 2016, Fitbit acquired the company, subsequently shuttering the Pebble product line. Fitbit was later purchased by Google, leaving the Pebble name inactive for almost a decade.
Nevertheless, Pebble’s essence never entirely disappeared. A committed group of fans and developers, including the Rebble initiative, sustained the Pebble ecosystem by developing alternative services and software for existing devices. With Google’s recent decision to open-source PebbleOS, the groundwork is laid for a substantial resurgence.
## **Google Open-Sources PebbleOS: A Transformative Move**
Google’s declaration to make the PebbleOS source code publicly accessible has generated widespread excitement. The open-source repository, hosted on GitHub, encompasses most of the original PebbleOS capabilities, including notifications, media controls, fitness tracking, and compatibility with custom apps and watchfaces. Although certain proprietary components have been removed, the essential features remain preserved, enabling developers to expand upon the original system.
This initiative not only bolsters the Rebble project but also invites new innovators to produce Pebble-inspired gadgets. It marks a pivotal moment for the smartwatch landscape, as it revitalizes a platform that was, in many respects, ahead of its time.
## **Eric Migicovsky’s Aspiration for the New Pebble**
Eric Migicovsky has quickly seized this opportunity. In a blog entry, he outlined his vision for a new smartwatch that embodies the spirit of the original Pebble while incorporating contemporary upgrades. Although the new device won’t bear the Pebble name—due to Google’s ownership of the trademark—it will include many cherished features that elevated Pebble to a cult status.
### **Highlight Features of the Upcoming Watch**
As per Migicovsky, the forthcoming watch will boast:
– **E-Paper Display**: A screen readable in sunlight that guarantees superb visibility outdoors while using minimal power.
– **Extended Battery Life**: Adhering to Pebble’s tradition, the new watch will emphasize prolonged battery longevity, potentially lasting days on a single charge.
– **Physical Buttons**: Unlike many touchscreen-dominated smartwatches, the new device will preserve physical buttons for straightforward navigation and controls.
– **Customizable Software**: The watch will feature an open operating system, enabling users to design their own apps and watch faces.
– **Innovative Additions**: While specifics remain vague, Migicovsky teased “exciting new features” that will set the new watch apart from its forerunners.
Migicovsky further noted that insights have been gleaned from Pebble’s history. The new venture will pursue a more concentrated strategy, catering to a niche demographic of power users and tech enthusiasts instead of trying to rival mainstream devices like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
## **The Contribution of the Rebble Community**
The Rebble initiative, crucial in preserving the Pebble ecosystem, is poised to gain significantly from the open-sourcing of PebbleOS. The community has already proclaimed intentions to incorporate the newly released code into their current projects, potentially enhancing the functionality and lifespan of existing Pebble devices.
Rebble’s contributions have ensured that numerous original Pebble watches continue to function today, and the availability of open-source code will likely quicken their development of new firmware and enhancements. This partnership between Migicovsky’s team and the Rebble community may lead to a flourishing ecosystem of Pebble-inspired gadgets.
## **Challenges and Prospects**
While the resurgence of Pebble offers exciting possibilities, it is not without its difficulties. The smartwatch market has changed dramatically since Pebble’s peak, with fitness tracking, health monitoring, and seamless smartphone integration now standard features. Competing with established brands like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin will necessitate thorough planning and creativity.
Nonetheless, the new Pebble project has
