Google has reignited the spirit of the original Pebble smartwatch by open-sourcing most of its software. This move, stemming from Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, allows developers to create new Pebble-inspired wearables or customize firmware for existing models.
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Leading the charge is Pebble creator Eric Migicovsky, who has long advocated for the open-sourcing of the PebbleOS. He plans to leverage this opportunity to build a modern, spiritual successor to the iconic smartwatch.
The open-sourced PebbleOS, available on GitHub, includes a significant portion of the original software’s code. While some proprietary components are missing, Migicovsky and other developers can work around these limitations.
Migicovsky envisions a smartwatch that embodies the core principles of the original Pebble: an always-on e-paper display, exceptional battery life, a user-friendly interface, physical buttons, and extensive customization options. He emphasizes that his goal is not to reinvent the wheel, but to build upon the strengths of the original Pebble.
The news of PebbleOS’s open-sourcing has generated excitement among developers and fans of the original smartwatch. As Migicovsky and others explore the possibilities of this project, the future of Pebble-inspired wearables appears bright.