Fitbit to preserve Pebble's smartwatch functionality for at least a year

posted by Plamen D. / Dec 15, 2016, 9:14 AM

Fitbit to preserve Pebble's smartwatch functionality for at least a year

Fitbit's recent acquisition of Pebble didn't bring too many good news for Pebble users. Warranty support was cut for all devices and new models such as the Pebble Core and Time 2 didn't even make their way to the wrists of everyone that pre-ordered them. Not all is lost though, as Pebble developer Jon Barlow assured fans of the startup company that Fitbit "is going out of its way to keep Pebble software and services running through 2017".

But how does this statement translate into definite actions? For starters, Barlow and his team will make sure that all the elements of Pebble's ecosystem such as firmware, apps, app store, Timeline API's etc. will continue to work as intended for 2017 and maybe even for 2018. The development team will also adjust mobile apps so they can function without the need for cloud services, much like Pebble Health.

Independent developers are going to continue their work with the transition team in an effort to keep their smartwatches functional. No one knows exactly for how long will Pebble wearables continue to work past 2017, but it is certain that the community around the project will have a bigger role to play as time goes by.

source: Pebble via Engadget

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3 Comments

1. sgodsell

Posts: 7514; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

Pebbles OS was simple easy to use and develop for in 2013. Things didn't change much for Pebbles OS as time went on. This was the intimate demise of Pebble in the long run. They continued to support a simple OS with a MCU that could not offer a more complex OS like Android Wear, Tizen, watchOS or others. That was the start of Pebbles downfall in the end.

posted on Dec 15, 2016, 9:28 AM 0

3. jellmoo

Posts: 2645; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

I kind of disagree. The simplicity is one of the main reasons I opted for a Pebble (along with battery life). It does exactly what I need it to do, easily and without flair. Prior to my Pebble I had a Moto 360 for about a week before returning it simply because it was the opposite of that. Needlessly complex and trying too hard to do too many things. Ultimately, I don't think Pebble had the means to thrive in the competitive environment it was in. Too many big names, able to eat larger losses, with a more dedicated workforce to develop products. Pebble prices just weren't competitive enough, marketing was non-existent, and they struggled to bring third party developers on board. I'd love to have a go with a similar product in scope (simple, long battery life, non intrusive workflow) but I'm not sure if a real alternative exists. Apple Watch is out of the picture as I'm an Android Guy, my experience with Android Wear has soured me to it, leaving a Samsung Gear attempt at possibly being my next step, but I'm not terribly optimistic.