Core Devices is finally moving the Pebble Round 2 from prototype to production, ending a long silence that has left buyers waiting for an affordable smartwatch with a low-power display. This shift matters because it offers a concrete path to owning a device that prioritizes battery life and open-source software over the walled gardens typical of the market. Buyers who have been holding out for a non-subscription wearable now have a specific timeline to plan around.
Core Devices resumes manufacturing after steel case defects
The Pebble Round 2 is a round smartwatch built around a 1.3-inch memory-in-pixel (MiP) display. This screen technology allows the watch to show content without constant power, contributing to its advertised battery life of up to 14 days. The device runs on an open-source operating system, giving users more control over their data and app compatibility compared to proprietary alternatives.
Specifications
- Display: 1.3-inch MiP
- Case Thickness: 8.1 mm
- Battery Life: up to 14 days
- Operating System: Open-source
- Price: $199 USD
The hardware design focuses on a slim profile with a case thickness of just 8.1 millimeters. It is available in silver, gold, or black finishes and supports both 14 mm and 20 mm strap sizes for different wrist preferences. Over 1,400 apps and watch faces have already been optimized for the 1.3-inch MiP display, ensuring a functional experience out of the box.
Core Devices has set the price for the Pebble Round 2 at 199 USD (around $199). The company stated that the first 200 units have already been produced, with another 1,000 units scheduled for October. All remaining orders are expected to be processed gradually starting from early November, with all preordered units targeted for assembly by the end of December.
Previous delays were caused by manufacturing defects in stainless steel cases, which hit an 85 percent defect rate in some production runs. Given these past issues, the current estimate for December completion should be treated with caution as the company scales up. The Pebble Round 2 is now a tangible product with a clear production schedule, even if the timeline remains tight.
Source: NotebookCheck
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