Pebble's Return to the Smartwatch Game: A Fresh Take on Wearables
The cyclical nature of technology, as hinted by Buddhist and Cynic philosophies, seems to be playing out in the smartwatch industry. After a hiatus from smartwatches, I'm intrigued by Pebble's resurgence. The original Pebble, now revived by Core Devices under the leadership of Eric Migicovsky, is back with a bang. Two new circular smartwatches, the Pebble Round 2 and the Pebble Time 2, are set to launch this year, and they might just be the answer to my smartwatch woes.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Migicovsky at CES 2026, where the Pebble founder's charm and vision for the future of smartwatches were on full display. The Pebble Round 2, a $200 smartwatch, was crowned the best at CES 2026. It's a simple yet innovative device with four physical buttons, a refreshing change from the screen-dominated smartwatches of the past decade.
The Pebble Round 2 boasts a 1.3-inch screen with a 260 x 260 pixel resolution, a size that feels just right on my wrist. It's larger than the original Pebble Time Round but smaller than the Google Pixel Watch 4. The watch comes in two sizes: 20mm and 14mm, with the larger option featuring a silver or black stainless steel frame. The smaller size is available in rose gold or silver.
While the Round 2 is more limited than the upcoming Pebble Time 2, it offers two weeks of battery life, a step down from the estimated 30 days of the Time 2. It also lacks heart rate tracking, but Migicovsky assured me that health metrics aren't a priority for everyone.
Core Devices' most controversial product, the Index 01, is a smart ring that doubles as a voice recorder. It's a unique concept, but it comes with a catch: a limited lifespan of two to three years due to its non-rechargeable battery. Migicovsky sees it as a simple tool, and while some may find the limited lifespan off-putting, he believes it keeps the price competitive.
The Index 01 records a couple of minutes of audio at a time and syncs with your phone via Bluetooth. The onboard AI can distinguish between notes, reminders, and alarms, presenting them in an app feed. Migicovsky suggests that those seeking more advanced features should look elsewhere, like the Whoop or Oura ring.
The Index 01 is priced at $75 if pre-ordered before March, otherwise $100. While I'm not a fan of wearing jewelry, the ring's button is a standout feature. I can't help but want to fidget with it, even when I have nothing to say. The question remains: is a disposable voice recorder ring worth $100?
Pebble's approach to wearables is refreshing in an era dominated by AI and health tracking. They offer something straightforward and fun, as Migicovsky puts it, 'not taking themselves too seriously.' It's a bold move in a market where simplicity and innovation often go hand in hand.
