The Pebble Round 2 has made a surprising comeback, offering a nostalgic yet modern twist on the smartwatch experience. While it may not boast the fitness-tracking prowess of Garmin or the high-tech features of flagship devices from Apple, Google, or Samsung, the Pebble Round 2 is designed to capture the playful essence of its predecessors. With preorders now open, the smartwatch is priced at an appealing $199 and is expected to ship in May.
This stylish update to the original Pebble Time Round from 2015 maintains the thin, lightweight stainless steel design and comes in three colors: gold, silver, and black. Available in two wristband sizes (14mm and 20mm), the Round 2 is a chic alternative to the square Time 2.
The Legacy of Pebble
The original Pebble smartwatches were pioneers in the wearable tech market, known for their simplicity, e-paper screens, and long battery life. After the company was acquired by Fitbit, which was later absorbed by Google, the Pebble brand seemed destined for the history books. However, co-founder Eric Migicovsky’s passion for simple, long-lasting wearables led to the brand’s resurrection, thanks to Google’s decision to open-source the Pebble software.
The Pebble Round 2 is the third product in the revived lineup, joining the Time 2 and the innovative Index 01 smart ring. The new Round 2 eliminates the large bezels of its predecessor and significantly extends battery life, now lasting between 10 to 14 days.
Features and Functionality
The Round 2’s screen is a memory-in-pixel, color e-paper design, offering a refresh rate of 30 to 40 frames per second. This allows for simple animations while maintaining low power consumption, ensuring visibility in any lighting condition without emitting a glow in dark environments.
While the Round 2 lacks the comprehensive health and safety features of its high-end competitors, it supports basic activity and sleep tracking, including step counting. The device is intended to display phone notifications and host simple apps, rather than replace a smartphone’s functionality.
A New Start for an Old Favorite
The Pebble Time 2, set to ship in March for $225, includes a heart rate monitor and boasts an even longer battery life of three to four weeks. Although the Round 2 does not feature a heart rate monitor and has a shorter battery life, it offers a more traditional watch appearance at a slightly lower price point.
As these models become available, tech enthusiasts and reviewers will undoubtedly test them against modern competitors to evaluate their performance. In the meantime, consumers can explore the current selection of smartwatches on the market.
My Experience with Wearable Tech
As a senior writer for PCMag, I have spent nearly a decade covering smart home and wearable devices. My journey in tech journalism began with creating educational videos for Abt Electronics in Illinois, followed by eight years at CNET focusing on the smart home sector. My personal interests include board games, video games, and craft beer, which I explore extensively in my home city of Chicago.
The Technology I Use
My tech ecosystem is a blend of various brands. I use an Apple MacBook Pro for computing and a Google Pixel 7a as my smartphone. My wrist is adorned with a rotating lineup of the latest smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which I use as a benchmark for fitness tracking accuracy.
My entertainment setup features a 55-inch LG OLED TV, a Yamaha soundbar, a Nintendo Switch, and a PS5. Despite the allure of new gaming consoles, I have yet to add an Xbox to my collection, thanks to engaging titles like Baldur’s Gate 3.
In my smart home, I utilize a variety of digital assistants, including Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, ensuring I remain connected to the latest advancements in voice-activated technology.
