Eric Migicovsky’s Core Devices Announces Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 Smartwatches

Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of the Pebble smartwatch, has unveiled two new smartwatches under his new company, Core Devices: the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2. These devices are spiritual successors to the original Pebble, available for pre-order at $149 and $225, respectively. Pebble, a Kickstarter success story from 2012, pioneered smartwatches before the advent of Apple Watch and Android-based alternatives, selling over two million units before shutting down in 2016 and being acquired by Fitbit. Migicovsky’s new venture aims to recapture the simplicity and spirit of the original Pebble, leveraging Google’s decision to open-source PebbleOS. The Core 2 Duo mirrors the Pebble 2, featuring an always-on E Ink display, physical buttons, and basic smartwatch functionalities like alarms, timers, notifications, and music control via Bluetooth. It boasts a remarkable 30-day battery life and remains a hackable device with numerous watch faces and app development possibilities. The Core Time 2 offers similar specifications but includes a larger, 64-color touch display within a metal casing, although touch interactions are not yet supported by Pebble apps. Core 2 Duo shipments are expected to begin in July, while the Core Time 2 is slated for December. Migicovsky emphasizes that this project is a ‘labor of love,’ focusing on fun and user enjoyment, even if it means potential delays or imperfections.