Get ready to fall in love with your Pebble all over again—the iconic smartwatch is making a comeback, and it’s bringing a treasure trove of updates that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without them. But here’s where it gets exciting: Pebble isn’t just dusting off its old playbook; it’s reinventing the game with a revamped app store, thousands of apps, and clever tools that’ll transform how you explore and use your watch. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about innovation that feels both familiar and fresh.
Core Devices
TL;DR
- Existing Pebble watchfaces and apps now scale up seamlessly, filling the entire screen on the Pebble Time 2 for a modern, borderless look.
- The Pebble Appstore is back and better than ever, packed with 2,000+ apps, 10,000+ watchfaces, and new additions since 2016.
- Social link previews and a 'similar apps' section have been added to enhance app discovery and sharing.
Pebble’s journey back to the spotlight is gaining momentum, and the team is dropping hints that’ll make fans cheer. Before the new smartwatches hit the shelves, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky shared some game-changing updates in a recent blog post. Here’s the highlight: the Pebble Time 2’s larger, high-resolution display no longer leaves existing apps and watchfaces looking outdated. Thanks to a new scaling feature, these older designs now expand to fill the entire screen, ditching the awkward black borders. The difference? Night and day—just take a look at the before-and-after images.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some might argue that scaling up old apps is a bandaid fix, Pebble’s approach feels more like a thoughtful upgrade, preserving the charm of legacy designs while making them feel brand new. Is this the right move, or should Pebble have focused solely on new content? Let us know in the comments.
The bigger news? The Pebble Appstore is back, and it’s not just a rehash. Alongside the 2,000 apps and 10,000 watchfaces you know and love, there’s a fresh batch of creations from the past eight years. Plus, the app store now includes a 'similar apps' section for easier discovery and social link previews for sharing watchfaces on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference.
And this is the part most people miss: Pebble isn’t stopping here. Migicovsky teased several potential features that could roll out soon, including an emulator to test apps before downloading, warnings for broken APIs, improved categories, and even a spotlight on lesser-known apps. These additions could turn the app store into a powerhouse of usability—but will they be enough to compete with today’s smartwatch giants? That’s up for debate.
Lastly, if you’re itching to try the new Pebble app, it’s available for beta testing on both Android and iOS. Just remember, as Migicovsky warns, it’s not quite polished yet. Still, it’s a glimpse into Pebble’s promising future.
Thought-provoking question for you: With Pebble’s return, are we witnessing a nostalgic revival or the start of something revolutionary? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
