Pebble, a name synonymous with early smartwatches, is stirring back to life. After its acquisition by Fitbit and subsequent fading from the market, the brand is poised for a potential comeback, driven by its founder and fueled by the open sourcing of its software. This resurgence centres around a new e-ink wearable project and a renewed focus on the core principles that made Pebble popular in the first place.

For those unfamiliar with the brand’s history, Pebble was a pioneer in the smartwatch space. Its focus on simplicity, long battery life thanks to e-ink displays, and a user-friendly interface resonated with many users. Pebble smartwatches were known for their ability to deliver notifications, track basic fitness metrics, and offer a degree of customizability. However, the company struggled to compete with the rise of more feature-rich smartwatches from established tech giants and was eventually acquired by Fitbit in 2016.

Now, several years later, Pebble’s founder, Eric Migicovsky, is embarking on a new venture centred around e-ink wearables. While details remain somewhat scarce, the project aims to recapture the essence of Pebble’s original appeal: long battery life, clear displays, and a focus on core smartwatch functionalities. This new project – RePebble – isn’t a direct revival of the Pebble brand, but it carries the spirit of Pebble’s design philosophy forward. The use of e-ink technology is a clear nod to Pebble’s legacy and a recognition of the enduring appeal of this display technology for wearables.

Adding another layer to this narrative, Google has recently open-sourced PebbleOS’s source code. Migicovsky notes in the RePebble blog post that this development was due to his request to Google. This is a significant development, as it allows developers and enthusiasts to explore the inner workings of Pebble’s software and potentially contribute to its further development. While the open-sourced code may not be directly tied to Migicovsky’s new project, it provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in building upon Pebble’s legacy. The availability of this code could lead to the creation of custom firmware, new apps, and potentially even community-driven hardware projects.

The timing of these developments – the new e-ink wearable project and the open-sourcing of Pebble’s code – has reignited interest in the brand and its potential. While the smartwatch market has evolved significantly since Pebble’s heyday, there remains a segment of users who appreciate the simplicity and long battery life that e-ink wearables offer. Migicovsky’s new project, combined with the open-sourced code, could tap into this market and potentially revive the spirit of Pebble.

It’s important to note that the future of RePebble, or rather, the spirit of Pebble, remains uncertain. Migicovsky’s new project is still in its early stages, and there’s no guarantee of its success. However, the combination of his experience, the open-sourced code, and the enduring appeal of e-ink wearables creates a compelling narrative. Whether this leads to a full-fledged Pebble revival or simply inspires a new generation of e-ink devices remains to be seen. Regardless, it’s clear that Pebble’s legacy continues to resonate, and its influence on the smartwatch market may not be over just yet.