Google Releases Pebble Smartwatch Software Framework as Open Source

Google has shown its support for volunteers who continue to maintain Pebble devices by announcing that PebbleOS is now available for download under an open-source license. Unexpectedly, the original founder of Pebble Technology has also stated that he would like to get back into the "Pebble game" as soon as possible. 

Pebble's incredible story, which started in 2012 with an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, was highlighted by Google. Before being purchased by Fitbit, Pebble sold over two million smartwatches in four years. Following the acquisition of Fitbit, Google eventually included the Pebble brand in its portfolio of intellectual property. Although the Rebble project volunteers did not have access to the original PebbleOS source code until recently, they have been working feverishly to restore a large portion of Pebble's functionality through bespoke web services. 

Google is hopeful that the Rebble community and other Pebble aficionados will continue to support the technology now that Pebble's software architecture has been (largely) restored. However, because they depend on proprietary code that isn't allowed to be shared on GitHub, essential components like chipset support and Bluetooth capabilities are still missing from the open-source repository. 

Key smartwatch functions like media controls, fitness tracking, notifications, and support for custom apps should continue to work in spite of these restrictions. It would take a lot of work to bring PebbleOS back to life as a complete smartwatch platform, but Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, has already promised to provide funding for the project. 

Even without a software update since December 2016, Migicovsky, who still wears his original Pebble watch, reported that it still functions. He underlined that Pebble had several things right from the start, such as a dependable e-paper display, a long battery life, an easy-to-use UI, and unmatched customization possibilities. 

Migicovsky has revealed intentions to revive Pebble in the future, which include creating new Pebble watches and updating PebbleOS. It is unclear, though, if people will be eager to switch from their existing Android smartwatches to a redesigned Pebble device given how drastically the wearables sector has changed over the last ten years.