RunKeeper releases app for Pebble Smart Watch

by Jeff Causey on May 7th 2013, 12:24pm
tagged pebble, runkeeper, smart watch, wearable device

You may have noticed a big trend lately that involves pushing mobile computing onto wearable devices like Google Glass. RunKeeper is hoping to cash in on the growing popularity of wearable devices by releasing an app that runs on Pebble’s Smart Watch devices. The new app will let users control RunKeeper from their Pebble device instead of having to fish their smartphone out of their pocket during a workout. Users can access pace, mileage, workout start and workout stop functions via the Pebble Smart Watch and RunKeeper says other functions will be available.

RunKeeper CEO Jason Jacobs says, “Pebble is such an exciting partner for RunKeeper; it is a great device and a powerful showcase of how your runs, walks and bike rides with RunKeeper can be enhanced by wearable device integration. We look forward to integrating with more wearable devices in the future.” RunKeeper indicates they will be announcing more partnerships in the coming months to help users with their fitness tracking.

The Pebble Smart Watch is currently shipping to Kickstarter backers and pre-orders are now being accepted at getpebble.com. Check out the full press release after the break. » Read the rest

Pebble Watch app now available in Google Play Store

by Jeff Causey on Jan 24th 2013, 10:52am
tagged accessory, Google Play, pebble, smartwatch

During the course of the past year we have kept an eye on the popular Kickstarter project to bring to market the Pebble smartwatch. The Pebble is a digital watch intended to connect wirelessly using Bluetooth to an owner’s smartphone, both iOS and Android flavored. The Pebble will alert the wearer with a silent vibration to incoming calls, emails and messages. Users can also install a variety of apps to increase the usefulness of the device. The Kickstarter project was a huge success generating $10 million versus the original goal of only $100,000. After showing off the device at CES 2013, Pebble is now taking pre-orders and word is those who help fund the Kickstarter project are starting to receive their devices.

The new app available in the Google Play Store gives users a dashboard to the Pebble, enabling them to install or remove watchfaces, send test messages to the Pebble, troubleshoot issues, and get notifications regarding updates. To get the app, use the link below to head over to the Google Play Store. If you need to order a Pebble, point your browser to www.getpebble.com.

Google Play Download Link

Pebble smartwatch to debut at next week’s CES

by Colton Kaiser on Jan 5th 2013, 12:35am
tagged accessories, CES 2013, Kickstarter, pebble, smartwatch

Well, well. What do we have here? It appears as though an invitation from Pebble has made its way to our inbox, notifying us of an event taking place at CES next week. Chief Executive Officer, Eric Migicovsky, will show off the final version of the long-awaited smartwatch in all of its Kickstarter-backed glory.

If you’re unfamiliar, the Pebble smartwatch managed to set a Kickstarter record last year. While it originally aimed to reach a $100,000 funding goal, the wrist-worn device attracted $10 million from eager backers around the world, leaving the company to deal with massive production demands. The watch connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone to offer notifications for calls and texts, with built-in support for third-party apps like Facebook.

The event kicks off at 9AM PST, and we’ll be there live to bring you the latest. Be sure to stay tuned to our CES 2013 hub as well, where we’ll be serving you up-to-the-second coverage straight from the show floor.

Pebble smartwatch to miss September release date but does add new color choice

by Jeff Causey on Jul 25th 2012, 10:55am
tagged Kickstarter, pebble, smartwatch, watch

If you were intrigued by the thought of getting your hands on the Pebble smart watch that we previously reported on, a mix of good news and bad news came out of the project yesterday. The good news is that a new color option is now available – orange. Selected based on voter’s choice, orange joins black, white and red options.

The bad news is that the availability of the Pebble devices has been delayed. The Pebble team indicates that due to popular demand, they have had to transition from ramping up for production of 1,000 devices total to 15,000 devices on a weekly basis. This additional demand means they will not meet their target of shipping in September. Even worse, they do not provide a new estimated availability date, so the delay is indefinite.

As consolation, the Pebble team did provide some information on their work to ensure the device moves from R&D to manufacturing and assembly. They indicate they are in the Engineering Verification stage with samples produced of the entire product before moving on to Tooling, when everything is finalized in the production facility.

source: Kickstarter

Pebble watch for Android (and iPhone!)

by Chris Stewart on Apr 14th 2012, 7:46am
tagged Kickstarter, pebble, smartwatch, watch

The dawn of the smart watch may well be upon us. After a rocky start with substandard devices such as the frustrating Sony Ericsson LiveView, 2012 promises to see a multitude of exciting options hit the shelfs. We brought you the news this week of Sony’s LiveView successor, the SmartWatch which already looks to be a huge improvement in many ways over the original. You should also check out our in-depth look at the versatile Wimm One watch to see what it brings to the table.

Next to step up the plate is the little known Pebble watch concept which surfaced through a Kickstarter campaign this week. The Pebble watch is set to support Android and iOS, sporting an e-ink display and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity. The watch will allow you to check calls, texts, e-mails, social messaging alerts etc remotely from the watch screen. Music controls and fitness monitoring facilities are on board of course ensuring the spec sheet stands up to the competition.

The project was launched looking for up to $100,000 in funding to get the development up and running and once again the power of the internet has really delivered with Pebble Technology announcing that it had already smashed the original target, receiving $2 million dollars to date. The unexpected generous donations will go towards extra features and getting improved technology on board. The device is expected to retail for £150 when it launches however Kickstarter backers can reserve one for only $115.

Take a look at the video after the break for a taster of what to expect when the watch hits the market. You can also check out the Kickstarter project details in the link below.

» Read the rest