
Remember Pebble? The smartwatch that stole the show on Kickstarter and became a fan favorite before disappearing in 2016? Well, it’s back—well, kind of. Thanks to Google’s decision to open-source PebbleOS, the original founder, Eric Migicovsky, is gearing up to bring the beloved brand back to life.
Pebble was ahead of its time when it first launched, offering features like an always-on e-paper screen and long battery life that made it stand out. But after selling to Fitbit, the brand faded into tech history—until now. Migicovsky is diving back into the smartwatch game, this time with a fresh vision and Google’s open-source software stack at his fingertips.
“We’re restarting Pebble,” Migicovsky shared with excitement. But don’t expect a carbon copy of the old model. This new venture is still in the idea stage, and Migicovsky is focusing on building a watch that meets his high standards: an e-paper display, long battery life, and a simple, user-friendly design. Oh, and buttons—because who doesn’t miss physical controls on a smartwatch?
While details are sparse, the project is already generating buzz. Migicovsky is self-funding the startup and plans to grow it modestly, avoiding the flashy Kickstarter campaigns of the past. His goal? To create a smartwatch for those who miss Pebble’s unique charm in a world dominated by Apple Watches. “There are at least dozens of us,” he joked, pointing to the active Pebble subreddit that still thrives years after the brand’s demise.
Google’s open-source move has made the revival possible, giving developers access to PebbleOS and paving the way for new hardware. Migicovsky is confident that this new chapter will succeed, especially with today’s technology making hardware production easier than ever.
So, while it’s still early days, the return of Pebble—or whatever it’ll be called—is a welcome surprise for tech enthusiasts. Here’s to hoping this comeback delivers on the nostalgia and innovation that made Pebble a legend in the first place.