TL;DR
Core Devices is bringing back Pebble’s round smartwatch as the Pebble Round 2, featuring a larger 1.3-inch color e-paper display and battery life up to two weeks. The watch works with iOS and Android, is available to preorder for $199, and is expected to ship in May.
What happened
More than a decade after the original Time Round, Eric Migicovsky’s company Core Devices has announced the Pebble Round 2 as a modern follow-up. The new model enlarges the display to a 1.3-inch, 260 x 260 color e-paper touchscreen that now fills the watch face, removing the thick bezel that framed the older 1-inch panel. Battery life has been extended dramatically—from the original two days to up to two weeks per charge, according to the company. Hardware includes a stainless steel case offered in black, silver and rose gold, two quick-release band widths depending on the finish, an accelerometer and magnetometer, and dual microphones for speech input and AI chat features. Basic activity tracking (steps, sleep) is included, but Core Devices says the watch is not aimed at serious sports or fitness users. Preorders open at $199 with shipping slated for May.
Why it matters
- A large increase in battery life could change how users rely on a traditional smartwatch between charges.
- A full-face color e-paper display combines always-on readability with lower power draw compared with many OLED screens.
- Support for both iOS and Android broadens the potential user base beyond a single smartphone platform.
- The release represents a revival of the Pebble brand under its original creator, signaling renewed interest in simpler smartwatch designs.
- An accessible $199 preorder price positions the Round 2 as a budget-friendly alternative to mainstream smartwatches.
Key facts
- Price and availability: Preorder listed at $199; shipping expected in May.
- Display: 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen with 260 x 260 pixel resolution.
- Battery: Up to two weeks of use per charge, compared with around two days on the original Time Round.
- Audio and input: Dual microphones support speech input, AI chats, and message replies (reply function currently available on Android; iOS support coming to the EU soon).
- Materials and variants: Stainless steel frame in black, silver, and rose gold; quick-release band sizes vary by color (14mm for rose gold, 20mm for black, silver offered in both).
- Sensors and tracking: Includes an accelerometer and magnetometer; offers basic health/activity tracking such as steps and sleep.
- Positioning: Core Devices says it is not intended as a fitness or sports watch and won’t replace dedicated sports devices like Garmin.
- Brand context: This is one of several Pebble-branded models relaunched by Migicovsky after he recovered the Pebble trademark from Google.
What to watch next
- Real-world battery performance versus the advertised two-week claim — not confirmed in the source.
- Timing and scope of iOS message-reply support beyond the EU rollout the company mentioned — not confirmed in the source.
- Availability and pricing of the additional band accessory options Core Devices said it is making — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Color e-paper display: A low-power display technology that mimics paper appearance and can show color; often used for longer battery life compared with typical OLED screens.
- Accelerometer: A sensor that measures acceleration forces to detect movement and orientation, commonly used for step counting and activity detection.
- Magnetometer: A sensor that detects magnetic fields and can be used for compass functionality and orientation.
- Quick-release band: A watch strap design with spring-loaded pins that allow users to remove and swap bands without tools.
Reader FAQ
Will the Pebble Round 2 work with my iPhone?
Yes — the watch is compatible with iOS; however, the message-reply feature is available on Android now and iOS support was announced for the EU 'soon'.
Is the Round 2 a fitness or sports watch?
No. It offers basic activity tracking like steps and sleep but is not designed to replace dedicated fitness or sports devices.
How much does it cost and when will it ship?
Preorders are priced at $199 and shipping is expected to begin in May.
Does the watch have GPS or advanced health sensors?
Not confirmed in the source.
NEWS GADGETS TECH Pebble’s round smartwatch is getting a reboot Pebble’s creator is launching a successor to the OG Time Round, with a larger screen and longer battery life. by…
Sources
- Pebble’s round smartwatch is getting a reboot
- Pebble Resurrects Its Round Smartwatch After a Decade
- Cult favorite Pebble returns with Round 2 watch – and it's …
- Pebble's Bringing Its Round Watch Back, This Time With …
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