A community-run software project recently released an updated app to keep Pebble watches functional on newer devices.
Pebble lovers say its worth the hassle of dealing with older technology.
“I can control my music or take a call when my phone is locked in a waterproof hatch.
Ramin Talaie / Getty Images
It has a timer.
It lets me read my messages, pushes calendar events, and tells the time.
And even after all of these years, I still get 4-5 days out of a charge.”
Peter Davidian / Getty Images
Sometimes, Less is More
Pebble was one of the first smartwatches at its launch in 2012.
Long battery life is the biggest draw for Pebble owner Steve Brecht, he said in an email interview.
“I have often traveled 3 or 4 days without taking a charger with me without worrying.
That said, just for battery maintenance, I will usually top it up every day or two.”
Brecht also loves Pebble’s primitive screen.
“Backlit LED screens are very difficult to read outside without turning up the brightness,” Brecht said.
The More Buttons the Better
Shawn Joseph has used a Pebble since 2017.
He now owns aPebble Time Steel, and has no plans to upgrade to a more recent smartwatch.
Reliability is also a draw for many Pebble owners.
Most of the time, people refer to an Apple product when they say something just works.
But in his case, Pebble owner Benjamin Liles says it about his watch.
I never had to worry about the watch not notifying me about something."
Liles says he also likes Pebbles operating systems simplicity, which offers fewer features than many modern smartwatches.
“I’m not looking for a second phone,” he added.
Duffield said hed be open to finding a modern replacement for his Pebble, but doesnt like current models.
“There always seems to be an unnecessary trade-off made, most likely a case of marketing over-engineering.
I’m unsure if anyone other than a startup could actually pull it off.”
Dont despair if youre craving a Pebble.
