In exciting news for wearable technology enthusiasts, Google has officially released the source code for the Pebble smartwatch operating system. For those of you who don’t know about Pebble, well here it is.
Pebble’s Kickstarter Success: A Smartwatch Ahead of its Time
The year was 2012 when Eric Migicovsky took the tech world by storm with Pebble, a smartwatch that redefined wearable technology. Funded by a then-record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, Pebble’s sleek design, e-paper display, and week-long battery life captured the hearts of millions. But the journey wasn’t without challenges. Despite its early success, Pebble was sold to Fitbit in 2016, which itself was later acquired by Google. Many assumed the Pebble story had ended.
Fast forward to today, and Migicovsky still wears his Pebble smartwatch. At a recent CES event, he sported a white Pebble Time Round, a symbol of the enduring appeal of the device he created. For years, he watched as the Pebble platform slowly aged, with no updates since December 2016. He worried about the day his beloved smartwatch would stop connecting to his phone or fail to receive notifications. Rather than move on to another smartwatch, Migicovsky decided it was time to bring Pebble back to life.
After selling his latest venture, the messaging app Beeper, to Automattic last year, Migicovsky began mulling over the idea of creating a Pebble-like product from scratch. But then a bold thought struck him: what if he convinced Google to release the original Pebble operating system as open source?
“It felt like a long shot,” he told The Verge, “but I knew the code was just sitting dormant inside Mountain View somewhere.” He reached out to Google. Once. Twice. Several times. And to his surprise, Google said yes.
Simplifying Pebble OS: What’s in the Open-Source Release?
On Monday, Google officially released the source code for Pebble OS, making the firmware freely available to developers on GitHub. This release marks a pivotal moment for Pebble enthusiasts and developers alike. Though the code doesn’t include proprietary components like chipset support and the Bluetooth stack, it offers everything needed to breathe new life into the platform.
The open-sourcing of Pebble’s operating system provides developers with access to the core OS, encompassing features such as notifications, media controls, fitness tracking, and support for custom apps and watchfaces. Built on FreeRTOS, the system includes modules for memory management, graphics, and timekeeping, as well as a framework for applications written in C and JavaScript.
A New Chapter: Migicovsky’s Plans for Pebble’s Revival
Migicovsky is ready to pick up where he left off. While he can’t call his new venture Pebble as Google still owns the name but he’s determined to build on the legacy. Repebble.com is already live. His vision is clear: to create smartwatches that stay true to Pebble’s original ethos of simplicity, durability, and long battery life.
For the thriving Pebble community, this open-source release is a dream come true. Groups like Rebble, which have worked tirelessly to keep Pebble watches functional, now have the tools to innovate further. They envision new devices and expanded functionality that will carry the Pebble spirit into the future.
This full-circle moment is a testament to the resilience of Pebble’s legacy. What began as a Kickstarter dream has now been reignited by the very company that acquired its successor. For Migicovsky and the devoted community, the journey of Pebble isn’t over — it’s just beginning again.
