Eric Migicovsky, the founder of the once-popular smartwatch company Pebble, is embarking on a journey to revive the brand, driven by a personal quest for a wearable that meets his specific needs. His own Pebble, a testament to the device’s durability and his attachment to it, still functions despite being years out of date. Having explored the current smartwatch market and finding nothing that replicates the Pebble experience, Migicovsky decided to take matters into his own hands. After selling his messaging app company, Beeper, he initially considered building a Pebble-like product from the ground up but realized a potentially simpler path lay in persuading Google, who acquired Fitbit, the company that had previously purchased Pebble, to open-source the Pebble OS. Surprisingly, Google agreed.
The resurrection of Pebble, albeit under a new, yet-to-be-determined name, is rooted in Migicovsky’s belief that the original Pebble’s core functionality remains relevant and desirable today. He envisions a smartwatch that prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and a distinctly gadget-like feel. He aims to recreate the original Pebble experience: long battery life, a clear e-paper display, button-based music controls, and a focus on notifications without superfluous features. While he hints at potential expansion beyond smartwatches, the initial focus is firmly on recreating the iconic wearable. Migicovsky emphasizes that this isn’t about reinventing Pebble but cloning its essence. His current Pebble still works perfectly for his needs, validating his belief that the original design remains fundamentally sound.
This revival attempt, however, faces several key challenges. The smartwatch landscape has dramatically shifted since Pebble’s heyday. Apple, Google, and Samsung now dominate the market with devices deeply integrated into their respective ecosystems. Pebble historically struggled with iOS compatibility, a hurdle that has likely become even more significant. Furthermore, the focus of smartwatches has largely shifted towards health and fitness tracking, leading to increasingly complex and powerful devices. Pebble’s minimalist approach contrasts sharply with this trend. Migicovsky acknowledges these changes, but his goal is to cater to a niche audience that values simplicity and functionality over extensive features. Google’s willingness to open-source Pebble OS suggests they don’t view this revival as a direct threat, perhaps recognizing the potential for a distinct market segment.
The new venture’s operational structure will also differ significantly from the original Pebble. Migicovsky attributes Pebble’s initial downfall partly to accepting venture capital, which he believes altered the company’s trajectory. This time, financially independent after his success with Beeper and a stint at Y Combinator, Migicovsky is solely funding the project, emphasizing sustainability as a core principle. The current team is small, consisting of Migicovsky and a few part-time employees, with plans for controlled growth. This leaner structure aims to avoid the pitfalls of rapid expansion and maintain focus on the core product vision.
Community involvement will be another defining characteristic of the revived Pebble. Migicovsky intends to foster an open-source ecosystem around Pebble OS, leveraging the existing dedicated Pebble community. The Rebble group has already maintained many Pebble apps and the connection software, Cobble, demonstrating continued interest in the platform. Migicovsky plans to open-source his company’s contributions, encouraging others to build upon the platform, create new apps, and even develop new Pebble-compatible hardware. This open approach could lead to innovative applications of Pebble OS beyond smartwatches, fostering a vibrant ecosystem around the platform.
The project is in its early stages, with Google’s approval to open-source the OS being a recent development. Migicovsky is still awaiting full access to the code, but hardware prototypes are already in development. He recognizes the time required to realize this vision, but his commitment is unwavering, fueled by a personal need and a belief in the enduring appeal of the original Pebble. The watch on his wrist serves as both inspiration and validation, a tangible reminder of what he aims to recreate and a symbol of the enduring legacy he hopes to revive.
