Pebble Time: The new smartwatch can do that
The new pebble time on Kickstarteter breaks all records. You can find out in this article whether this is justified and what the smartwatch can do.
The pebble time in the official video
The exterior: the new Pebble smartwatches as eye-catchers?
The new Pebble Time appears in two versions: with a plastic and metal housing. However, a lot has changed compared to the previous model:
- The classic pebble time appears in black, white and red. The Pebble Time Steel, on the other hand, is available in fine gold, silver or black.
- However, there are no limits to the bracelets: you can remove and replace them at any time from the smartwatch. The Pebble Time already includes a silicone bracelet, the metal version even includes a leather and a metal bracelet. Alternatively, all standardized 22mm watch straps can be used.
- Despite many new functions, the new smartwatches should be 20 percent thinner than the previous model. The pebble time is now only 9.5 millimeters thick.
- The case of both watches is also waterproof. You don't even have to remove the smartwatch in the swimming pool. The display is made of scratch-resistant gorilla glass, so that even sand cannot harm the watch.
The equipment: that's in the new Pebble Time
The smartwatch does not only look good. The installed hardware also looks great at first glance:
- As with the previous model, the new pebble watches also have an energy-saving e-paper display with 30 FPS. This consumes almost no energy as long as the picture on the watch does not change. While the original Pebble smartwatch could only display black and white images, the new models now support 64 different colors. However, a touchscreen is missing.
- The battery life shows how energy-saving the built-in display is: The new pebble time should last up to 7 days in continuous operation. With the metal version, it is even up to 10 days.
- The integrated microphone is also new. For example, you should be able to dictate messages, answer calls or control your smartphone.
- Pebble's buttons are kept to a minimum: with a power button you can switch yours off and with three buttons on the right you can navigate through the menus.
- So that you do not miss any notification of your cell phone in the future, the new smartwatches have a vibration sensor that informs you of new messages.
Software and apps: smart watches or useless hardware?
Even the best smartwatch is of no use without the right apps or smartphones. Pebble has thought of almost everything here:
- The new Pebble smartwatches are compatible with iPhones and iPad from iOS 8. Android smartphone owners need at least Android 4.0.
- You will find over 6, 500 optimized applications in the integrated app shop. All apps that worked on the old smartwatch should also run on the new models. Pebble also wants to drill out the software kit for developers so that new apps are constantly appearing.
- In addition to the app offer, the operating system must of course also be correct. Here Pebble takes a completely new path and puts the calendar in the foreground. Using the side buttons, you can switch to your next appointments in the so-called "timeline" or view past notifications - without starting an app. However, the main display remains the time.
Prices and release: Pebble Time and Time Steel in price comparison
- Pebble Time will be released in May 2015 at a price of $ 199. Those who support the team at Kickstarter only pay $ 159 until the release.
- The Pebble Time Steel is scheduled to be launched in July 2015. The price will be $ 299. Pre-orders through Kickstarter have only paid $ 259 to date. If you order in Germany, an additional $ 10 shipping fee and customs fees apply.
- You also get the original Pebble Smartwatch for around 145 euros.
Until the new pebble watches appear, you can find out more about the competition from us. We have put the Apple Watch and Moto 360 under the microscope for you.