After crowdfunding success on Kickstarter brought the original Pebble smartwatch to the wearables market, a new colour screen model called the Pebble Time will also become a reality after annihilating its $500,000 goal in less than a day.
The makers of Pebble (Pebble Technology Corporation) reported one million sales of its original wrist companion in a recent interview and teased that new hardware would be on the way this year. Just a few weeks on from those comments the follow-up, Pebble Time, has appeared unannounced on the crowdfunding website where Pebble first made its name in 2012 before going on sale a year later.Also See: Pebble Sells 1-Million – Update & New Model Confirmed by CEO
The new colour e-paper display is the main selling point of the Pebble Time and the interface and app menu have changed to make the most of this bright idea. The new Pebble is also equipped with a new microphone for responding to voice notifications and recording notes and boasts seven days of use from a full battery charge.
It’s 20% thinner than the previous model with some slight ergonomic design tweaks for improved comfort on the wrist and the watch is water resistant, with gorilla glass screen to protect all the pretty colours.
Three colour cases will be up for grabs to early buyers – Black, White or Red, each with 22mm wide silicone strap and stainless steel bezel. Pebble will also be releasing 3D print patterns so users can create their own unique straps if they have the equipment to do so.
Since the Pebble Time Kickstarter page went live support for the project through pledges from the online public has reached $8,213,129 (up to this second) and is increasing before our very eyes with the smallest pledge starting at $159 which awards the backer one Pebble Time smartwatch in a choice of three colours. (Update: These ‘Early Bird’ packages have now sold out but more are available at $179).
Larger quantities of up to 30 Pebble Time watches are available with the intention of enticing resellers to get on board early with a shipping date of May 2015 given. Closing date for backing is March 27th and each Pebble Time bought before the end date will be specially engraved as a Kickstarter Edition.