Pebble Time 2 Design Reveal [video]

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Display tech and readability

  • Many initially assumed the screen was e‑ink; others clarified it’s a reflective / transreflective LCD (“e‑paper”), similar to older Pebbles.
  • Pros cited: always‑on, highly readable in sunlight, works like a “Game Boy–style” screen, potentially long battery life.
  • Cons cited: lower contrast than black‑and‑white variants, underwhelming viewing angles, and disappointment it’s not true color e‑ink.
  • Some worry color reduces legibility vs the B&W Pebble 2 Duo; others note prior color Pebbles already had lower contrast.

Design, models, and colorways

  • Two main models discussed:
    • Pebble 2 Duo: $149, B&W, classic blocky Pebble look, no HRM.
    • Pebble Time 2: $225, color, rounded “squircle” case, HRM.
  • Opinions are split: some love the new rounded metal look and lack of bezel branding; others find it generic or “cheap” vs the iconic original.
  • Colorway choices (silver, red, blue, black accents) spark debate: some want understated gunmetal/black, others feel colored sides look toy‑like.

Battery life and daily use

  • 30‑day claimed battery life is a major draw versus 1–2 day Apple/Android watches and shorter‑lived Fitbits.
  • Use‑cases tied directly to long life: vibrating alarms at night, not packing chargers when traveling, “set and forget” watch ownership.
  • Some don’t mind nightly charging; others say that habit breaks the “always on you” nature of a watch.

Fitness features, sensors, and missing GPS

  • Lack of GPS is a dealbreaker for runners/triathletes who want phone‑free tracking; others argue that’s the domain of dedicated sports watches.
  • Heart‑rate monitoring is present on Time 2 but not Duo; some avoid HRM bulges for comfort.
  • Requests recur for compass, barometer, UV sensor, NFC payments, and more “outdoor” features; some of these (compass) are hinted as coming.

Ecosystem, openness, and trust

  • Past Pebble shutdown and Fitbit acquisition generate concern, but many note:
    • Old Pebbles remained usable for years.
    • PebbleOS and new software are now open source, reducing lock‑in risk.
    • These are pre‑orders, not Kickstarter; refunds are possible.
  • Openness, hackability, existing watchface/app library, and Home Assistant / assistant integrations are central reasons people are ordering.

Comparisons and philosophy

  • Compared to Apple Watch and Garmin, Pebble is seen as:
    • Cheaper, more open, less fitness‑obsessed, and less cloud‑dependent.
    • Focused on simple notifications, timekeeping, and low‑distraction use rather than being a tiny phone or pro sports instrument.
  • Some remain unconvinced, citing screen quality, aesthetics, lack of GPS/NFC, or short warranty as blockers.