A New Era for Smartwatches Begins!

The visionary behind Pebble, Eric Migicovsky, has officially launched a new venture called Core Devices, along with an eye-catching range of smartwatches powered by the newly open-sourced PebbleOS. In an exciting first episode of his podcast "Tick Talk w/ Eric Migicovsky," he offers a sneak peek at the still-in-development Core 2 Duo.

What’s Under the Hood of the Core 2 Duo?

Migicovsky is optimistic about the release of the Core 2 Duo—an affordable model featuring a classic black-and-white screen and no touch capabilities—projected to hit shelves in July 2025. During his demo, he showcased one of the first production units, complete with the familiar PebbleOS UI, though many key functions, including the simple ability to tell time, are yet to be activated. The development team continues to work on essential features like vibrating notifications and the device’s accelerometer.

Stylish Design Meets Practical Features!

This smartwatch comes equipped with a stylish silicone strap akin to the Apple Watch’s, designed with a convenient slot for tucking away any excess length. Migicovsky also introduced the innovative USB-C magnetic charging dongle unveiled last month.

New Features on the Horizon!

While acknowledging the successes of the original Pebble watches from a decade ago, Migicovsky envisions several exciting new features for the Core 2 Duo and its sibling, the Core Time 2, slated for a December 2025 release featuring a vibrant color touchscreen. Proposed enhancements include interactive watch face widgets that easily display weather updates and upcoming appointments at a glance, alongside deeper integration with Beeper, the universal chat app he created after selling Pebble to Google.

Embracing AI and Expanding Compatibility!

Access to AI voice assistants is also high on the Core Devices agenda, as both smartwatches are equipped with speakers and microphones. With the European Union's Digital Markets Act encouraging Apple to open its ecosystem, Migicovsky is prepared to support iOS compatibility, potentially allowing users to respond to messages vocally while paired with an iPhone in Europe.

Innovations Beyond Wearables!

Core Devices is working hard on enhancing PebbleOS's architecture, aiming to port it to two new Bluetooth chipsets. This move could significantly broaden the range of devices the operating system supports, although specifics on these new devices remain under wraps.

Navigating Tariffs and Pricing Challenges!

In his podcast, Migicovsky also tackled the potential impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, as both the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 are manufactured in Shenzhen. With current tariffs set at a steep 27.5%, he indicated that this could raise prices by $10 to $25. However, it remains unclear how these tariffs will affect the pricing of the Core 2 Duo at $149 and the Core Time 2 at $225.

A Promising Future Ahead!

With innovative features, a solid design, and a commitment to expanding capabilities, Eric Migicovsky's Core Devices is poised to make a significant impact in the smartwatch arena. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch dates draw closer!