Key Takeaways
- Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky launched a new YouTube Podcast on Thursday, and demonstrated the new Pebble Core 2 Smartwatch.
- This smartwatch has a larger screen, a waterproof speakers, an adjustable backlight for nighttime use, and the potential integration of AI agents.
- Eric plans to create a native API to help developers expand the PebbleOS ecosystem by adding new widgets and apps. Eric confirmed that the new smartwatch will launch in July 2025.
Good news for Pebble smartwatch enthusiasts — Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble, launched his ‘TickTalk’ podcast yesterday. He also demoed the much-anticipated Pebble Core 2 Duo. Migicovsky, wearing a white version in his YouTube video and demonstrating some of its features, gave a first glimpse of the smartwatch’s features. The Core 2 Duo, which is not to be confused with Intel processors, looks similar to the Pebble 2 that was launched in 2016.
A closer look reveals a slightly larger screen, a waterproof speakers, and a silicone band with a’strap keeper’ to prevent it from flapping when worn.
The majority of the work is being done on the software side. This includes the Pebble recovery firmware. Migicovsky added that they are also writing drivers for the accelerometer, vibrating motor and backlight.
I want to make the backlight less bright when it’s dark or at night. I think the light sensor on the new watches needs a little tweaking. He added this in his Tick Talk Podcast
He said that he has a very small list of new features for the Core 2 Duo Smartwatch.
He wants to create an native touchscreen. API will allow developers to create widgets that display information (such as weather and calendar events) on the main watch face.
Migicovsky also wants to integrate Beeper, an app that he created to allow you to access your chats across different messaging services, into the smartwatch.
Migicovsky discussed the possibility of AI voice agents being integrated into the smartwatch. He mentioned Bobby, an AI integration for Google Gemini created by Catherine Berry that allows you to ask quick questions or receive small bits of data.
The Core 2 Duo has a built-in speaker that could be used to make this integration.
“You could have an AI speak to you without looking down at your wrist,” said Migicovsky. He said that having an AI agent in the watch allows him to keep his phone in his pocket when he is with his children.
After his experience with AI agents such as Bobby on his smartwatch Eric declared himself “cautiously hopeful” about the potential integration of AI into the PebbleOS. This is a promising sign in the future for Core 2 Duo development.
Pebble Core 2 Duo is Still on Track to Launch in the Summer
The Pebble smartwatch creator revealed that he “picked a very difficult time to return to manufacturing hardware.”
But he assured that the team was still on track to begin shipping Core 2 Duos by July 2025. He also said that the tariffs will not affect buyers outside of the US because the smartwatches were manufactured and shipped directly out of China.
It’s a different story for US-based customers, who will be affected by the Imports of products made in China are subject to higher tariffs.
Eric explained to me that the US isn’t receiving the full tariff amount because US President Donald Trump has paused reciprocal tariffs against China-made products.
Migicovsky said that since he is not sure how long this pause will last, they are trying to manufacture the Core 2 Duo as quickly as possible.
A return to a simpler era of smartwatches
With its simple black-and-white e-paper screen, the Core 2 Duo appears to be a poor purchase compared to today’s smartwatches with touchscreens, built-in heart rate monitors, and sleep and step tracking. Core 2 Duo, in essence, is more like a watch than it is a smartwatch.
That’s where the beauty of the Core 2 Duo, and the Pebble watches from the past lie. They’re primarily built to tell the time. But in a fun way with over 10K watch faces and apps. Migicovsky, when asked why he wears a smartwatch, said in his podcast that it is because it tells the time. A smartwatch (like the Pebble), however, is even more useful because it can change time zones when you travel. You could see different time zones. It’s a better watch overall.’
Added that he enjoys receiving notifications without having his phone or computer in front of him all the time. Pebble smartwatches have a fun factor.
I have this watch face on right now […] of an octopus with an ice cream con. No one would ever design a watch that looks that way. I downloaded the Pebble App from the Pebble App Store […] and it worked. Migicovsky said, “I love that when I look down at the wrist, I just grin.” It seems that Pebble’s long-time fans are in agreement.
Overall, the Core 2 Duo is a welcome change for those looking for a more basic smartwatch without the clutter of features like GPS tracking or other monitoring features.
With Over 2M first-generation Pebble watch sold in 2017 $12.7M raised for the Pebble 2 and Time 2 may still have a place on people’s wrists.
As technology continues to evolve—from the return of ‘dumbphones’ to faster and sleeker computers—seasoned tech journalist, Cedric Solidon, continues to dedicate himself to writing stories that inform, empower, and connect with readers across all levels of digital literacy. Read more
With 20 years of professional writing experience, this University of the Philippines Journalism graduate has carved out a niche as a trusted voice in tech media. Whether he’s breaking down the latest advancements in cybersecurity or explaining how silicon-carbon batteries can extend your phone’s battery life, his writing remains rooted in clarity, curiosity, and utility.
Long before he was writing for Techreport, HP, Citrix, SAP, Globe Telecom, CyberGhost VPN, and ExpressVPN, Cedric’s love for technology began at home courtesy of a Nintendo Family Computer and a stack of tech magazines.
Growing up, his days were often filled with sessions of Contra, Bomberman, Red Alert 2, and the criminally underrated Crusader: No Regret. But gaming wasn’t his only gateway to tech.
He devoured every T3, PCMag, and PC Gamer issue he could get his hands on, often reading them cover to cover. It wasn’t long before he explored the early web in IRC chatrooms, online forums, and fledgling tech blogs, soaking in every byte of knowledge from the late ’90s and early 2000s internet boom.
That fascination with tech didn’t just stick. It evolved into a full-blown calling.
After graduating with a degree in Journalism, he began his writing career at the dawn of Web 2.0. What started with small editorial roles and freelance gigs soon grew into a full-fledged career.
He has since collaborated with global tech leaders, lending his voice to content that bridges technical expertise with everyday usability. He’s also written annual reports for Globe Telecom and consumer-friendly guides for VPN companies like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN, empowering readers to understand the importance of digital privacy.
His versatility spans not just tech journalism but also technical writing. He once worked with a local tech company developing web and mobile apps for logistics firms, crafting documentation and communication materials that brought together user-friendliness with deep technical understanding. That experience sharpened his ability to break down dense, often jargon-heavy material into content that speaks clearly to both developers and decision-makers.
At the heart of his work lies a simple belief: technology should feel empowering, not intimidating. Even if the likes of smartphones and AI are now commonplace, he understands that there’s still a knowledge gap, especially when it comes to hardware or the real-world benefits of new tools. His writing hopes to help close that gap.
Cedric’s writing style reflects that mission. It’s friendly without being fluffy and informative without being overwhelming. Whether writing for seasoned IT professionals or casual readers curious about the latest gadgets, he focuses on how a piece of technology can improve our lives, boost our productivity, or make our work more efficient. That human-first approach makes his content feel more like a conversation than a technical manual.
As his writing career progresses, his passion for tech journalism remains as strong as ever. With the growing need for accessible, responsible tech communication, he sees his role not just as a journalist but as a guide who helps readers navigate a digital world that’s often as confusing as it is exciting.
From reviewing the latest devices to unpacking global tech trends, Cedric isn’t just reporting on the future; he’s helping to write it. Read less
Our editorial policy at Tech Report is to provide helpful, accurate content which offers real value to readers. We only work with writers who are experienced and have a specific knowledge of the topics they cover. This includes the latest technology, online privacy issues, cryptocurrencies, software and more. Our editorial policy ensures each topic is researched by our in-house editors. We adhere to strict journalistic standards and all articles are written by real writers.
