At a Glance
- Pebble brings back its smartwatch with the Round 2, priced at $199.
- The new watch promises up to two weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- It features an always-on color e-paper display and supports AI hook-ins via microphones.
- Why it matters: The long battery and AI integration give Pebble a niche edge over mainstream smartwatches.
Pebble has re-entered the wearable market with its Round 2 smartwatch, slated for a May release and available for pre-order. The $199 device builds on the original round-face design while adding modern features that appeal to both nostalgic users and new adopters.
Design and Build
The Round 2 keeps the classic 1.3-inch, 260 × 260-pixel e-paper display in a sleek 8 mm thick steel case. Swappable bands come in several widths, and the watch includes two microphones for voice replies. The design echoes the 2016 original but with a higher-resolution screen.
Battery Life and AI
Pebble promises a two-week battery life, a significant improvement over its previous models and a clear advantage over Apple and Google watches. The device can connect to AI agents through its microphones, allowing developers to add voice-assistant features, although this is not built-in natively. The watch also pairs with Pebble’s upcoming one-button smart ring, the Index 01.
Key Takeaways
- Pebble’s Round 2 offers a two-week battery, outpacing competitors.
- The watch is priced at $199 and supports swappable bands.
- AI hook-ins and a smart ring add future-proofing to the device.
The return of Pebble’s Round 2 highlights a niche approach to smartwatches, focusing on battery endurance and extensibility rather than high-tech specs.
