In a nostalgic yet forward-thinking move, Pebble enthusiasts have reason to celebrate today. A dedicated developer team has unveiled a brand-new app designed specifically for the cult-favorite Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches—devices once hailed as spiritual successors to the iconic Pebble line. The release marks a significant leap in functionality for these legacy wearables, blending retro charm with modern utility.
Why This Matters
Pebble, the trailblazing smartwatch brand discontinued in 2016, left behind a fiercely loyal community. The Core series, launched in the early 2020s by former Pebble engineers, inherited its DNA: e-paper displays, weeks-long battery life, and hacker-friendly openness. Yet as software evolved, these watches risked obsolescence—until now.
The new app, simply dubbed "Core Companion," bridges the gap. It delivers firmware updates, streamlined notifications, and deeper health-tracking integration. Users can finally sync sleep data to Google Fit, customize vibration patterns for apps like Slack or Signal, and even control Spotify playback—a feature once considered impossible on the devices’ minimalist hardware.
"We’re not letting these watches fade into history," tweeted Eric Migicovsky, Pebble’s founder and a key backer of the project. His social media tease last week ignited speculation, confirming rumors of a community-driven revival.
Under the Hood
The app’s magic lies in its optimization. Despite running on aging hardware, Core Companion uses lightweight algorithms to extend battery life while adding features:
- Adaptive Backlight: Adjusts screen brightness based on ambient light.
- Multi-Timezone Support: Critical for remote workers.
- Find My Watch: Triggers a loud alarm from your paired phone.
Early adopters praise its simplicity. "It feels like Pebble’s philosophy—just work—brought back to life," notes Gadgets & Wearables, who tested the beta.
Read their full hands-on review
Getting Started
Ready to revive your Core watch? The app is free and available now:
Download Core Companion on Google Play
Requirements: Android 10+ and a Core 2 Duo/Core Time 2 watch. An iOS version is "in exploration," per the dev team.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about nostalgia. In an era of smartwatches requiring daily charging and subscriptions, the Core series’ 14-day battery and privacy-first design feel revolutionary. With this app, they’re no longer relics—but viable alternatives. As one Reddit user put it: "Pebble’s ghost just got an upgrade."
*Cover image: Core Time 2 smartwatch running the new Core Companion app / Source: Core Dev Team*
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