Pebble today released an update for its smart watch that enables various features, including a "Do Not Disturb" function that blocks notifications for a specified period of time, and the ability to create multiple alarms.
Also included is improved control over notifications which allow the user to specify which types of messages are displayed, and enhanced iOS connectivity performance along with various bug fixes.
What’s New
Do Not Disturb. Block notifications for a set period of time (from Pebble: Settings » Notifications » Do Not Disturb).Alarms app update. Create multiple Alarms, toggle Alarms on/off, and edit existing Alarms.
New “Snooze Alarm.” Customizable via the Pebble Alarms app.Improved Notification Control. Specify what notifications are displayed (Notifications On, Phone Calls Only, or Notifications Off). Notification settings are now accessible more quickly through a dedicated menu (Settings » Notifications).
Improved iOS performance. Notifications are now sent more quickly from your iOS device to Pebble. After exiting Airplane Mode, Pebble will now search for connectable iOS devices immediately, instead of waiting one minute.
The device was also updated earlier this month with full support for iOS 7 notifications along with the addition of a developer SDK and APIs for Javascript, the accelerometer, data logging and persistent storage.
Originally, the Pebble raised more than $10 million on Kickstarter, potentially proving the viability of the smart watch as a product. Apple is also said to be working on its own iWatch and recently invested hundreds of millions of dollars in a new Arizona factory to make sapphire glass, perhaps for such a product.
The Pebble smart watch is available for $150 from getpebble.com and at Best Buy and AT&T retail stores.
Top Rated Comments
I got one from the Kickstarter. It finally feels useful now that notifications work.
Me too.
So everyone that has responded.
You can find a lot of great information at reddit.com/r/pebble
Never, both iOS 7 on iOS 6. :)
I love this watch and it actually saves my iPhone battery life despite being connected via bluetooth all day.
I've turn off vibration on the phone and I rarely even look at my phone anymore unless I NEED to interact with it. All push notifications are read on the watch (minus MMS/picture messaging).
In the end I don't doubt apple can release something equally compelling or superior (they have the resources!) but this is a fantastic dirt cheap smart watch that's available now.
The Pebble will continue to be a niche product, with its own advantages, even if the 'iWatch' ends up appearing vastly better. I just can't see any possibility of a device with a color display having anywhere near the battery life of a device with an 'e-ink' display, for example, especially if the iWatch has a 100mAh battery as rumors are indicating. Also, try reading a color display -- ANY color display -- in bright sunlight; now imagine trying to read the 'iWatch' display with sunglasses. The Pebble display is very easy to read in sunlight, even with sunglasses. Might not seem like a big deal, but it is if you are riding a bike or something and don't want to have to take off your sunglasses just to see what time it is. Finally, the display of the Pebble is 'always on' while you will likely have to press a button or something to see the 'iWatch' display, like the Galaxy Gear. I don't see any way around this, color display use lots of battery. Again, that is a major inconvenience if you are doing something where reaching over to press a button on your watch is difficult.
How often will iOS unload that app running in the background?