Wrist devices are convenient because you don’t need to do anything to get information from them, you don’t need to go into your bag or pocket. It is enough just to raise your hand — and the necessary data is in front of you … What kind data? The current time is a classic of the genre, since the clock mechanism has long been learned to be made miniature. With current technology, any electronic components can be placed inside the watch, provide the Internet, GPS, etc. — but this is rarely done due to the inconvenience of input. Without wireless modules and without advanced sensors, a watch remains a watch.

Okay, where is the handy input? On a smartphone. But you won’t constantly wear a smartphone on your wrist. Which brings us to the obvious truth: pairing a smartphone and a watch can be incredibly convenient. The smartphone has all the means of communication and a lot of sensors, data from which it can “share” with the watch. In some cases, it is also acceptable to control a smartphone through a watch — if this is possible with a small number of buttons. It is only necessary that those who will be ready to ensure the proper level of integration appear.

Looks like it finally happened.

Pebble exploit the same concept of Bluetooth watches that has existed since the mid-2000s — only taking into account modern preferences. The device communicates with iPhone or with an Android smartphone via a wireless protocol, takes a lot of information from it in real time, converts it and displays it on the display:

Speedometer — uses geolocation data

Works and how velospeedometer

Rangefinder for golf, also using geolocation

When you receive a call, you see the name of the caller

How about notifications? Here are the types of notifications Pebble supports besides the caller’s name:

• Events from the calendar;
• Facebook;
• Twitter;
• Weather;
• Timer and alarm clock (including silent, using the built-in vibration motor);
• Incoming mail (IMAP):

Here is an example where reverse control is involved — a music player:

By the way, input can be carried out not only with buttons. Pebble is equipped with a three-axis accelerometer with support for gestures. We imagine it like this: they call you, you see the name of the caller and hang up the call with a wave of your hand.

A separate application is responsible for each function. New applications along with new skins for watch faces can be downloaded from the virtual store. watch app store, Yes Yes! And what is a virtual store without SDK for developers? In other words, anyone can add to the already rich functionality of Pebble.

At first, we were a little confused by the black and white display based on electronic paper. It is good in terms of energy saving (the watch will work for 7 days from a single charge), but, as you know, such a display requires a separate backlight, otherwise the picture will not be visible in the dark. Fortunately, there will be backlight.

About the hull design. Declared protection against moisture (can not be drowned) and scratches, as well as compatibility with most 22 mm straps. Charger? Complete cable, from USB.

The target amount of the project ($100,000) was collected within two hours. Not sure if this is a record, but the support from the community is incredible. Deposit $115 to get black Pebbles, $125 for any other color (the last one will be voted on), and add $15 for shipping closer to September. It’s worth it.

Buy Pebble

On this topic:
– 6 reasons to buy a Pebble Steel smart watch