Google open-sources Pebble smartwatch software framework

The big picture: Though Pebble has long ceased to exist as a functioning commercial entity, the brand continues to enjoy a loyal following and a vibrant online community. Enthusiasts have spent years restoring and maintaining functionality for Pebble devices, and now they even have access to the original OS code to support their efforts.

Google has announced that PebbleOS is now available for download under an open-source license, signaling its support for volunteers who continue to maintain Pebble devices. In a surprising twist, Pebble Technology’s original founder has also confirmed his interest in re-entering the “Pebble game” sooner rather than later.

Google highlighted Pebble’s remarkable journey, which began in 2012 with an extraordinarily successful Kickstarter campaign. Over four years, Pebble sold more than two million smartwatches before being acquired by Fitbit. The Pebble brand ultimately became part of Google’s intellectual property portfolio after the company acquired Fitbit.

“Despite the Pebble hardware and software support being discontinued eight years ago, Pebble still has thousands of dedicated fans,” Google stated. Volunteers from the Rebble project have worked tirelessly to restore much of Pebble’s functionality through custom web services, even though they lacked access to the original PebbleOS source code – until now.

With Pebble’s software framework now (mostly) restored, Google is optimistic that the Rebble community and other Pebble enthusiasts will continue to support the technology. However, the open-source repository still lacks key components such as chipset support and Bluetooth functionality, as these rely on proprietary code that could not be released on GitHub.

Despite these limitations, core smartwatch features like notifications, media controls, fitness tracking, and support for custom apps should remain functional. Reviving PebbleOS as a fully-fledged smartwatch platform will require significant effort, but Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has already pledged to fund that endeavor.

Migicovsky, who still wears his original Pebble watch, noted that the device continues to work despite not receiving a software update since December 2016. He emphasized that Pebble got many things right from the beginning, including a reliable e-paper display, impressive battery life, a straightforward user interface, and unparalleled customization options.

Looking ahead, Migicovsky has announced plans to bring Pebble back, including developing a modernized version of PebbleOS and designing new Pebble watches. However, the wearables market has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and it remains to be seen whether consumers will be willing to trade their current Android smartwatches for a revamped Pebble device.