Pebble’s Round Smartwatch Makes a Comeback

Get ready for a fresh take on the classic Pebble smartwatch — the round-faced Time Round is making a comeback over a decade after its debut. The new Pebble Round 2 enhances the original with improved battery life and a larger 1.3-inch touchscreen, eliminating the bulky bezel that surrounded the original’s 1-inch display.

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the Pebble Round 2 is available for preorder at $199, with shipping slated for May. This release marks the latest revival from Eric Migicovsky, the original Pebble creator, now under his new venture, Core Devices, following the Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2 — previously known as the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, until Migicovsky reclaimed the Pebble trademark from Google.

While the original round smartwatch offered just two days of battery life, the Pebble Round 2 boasts an impressive two-week lifespan. Its 260 x 260 color e-paper display features double the pixel count of the Time Round and now spans the entire watch face. The device includes dual microphones for voice input, allowing users to interact with AI agents and respond to messages, although the messaging feature is currently limited to Android, with iOS support expected in the EU soon.

The Pebble Round 2 sports a stainless steel frame available in black, silver, and rose gold. It offers two quick-release band sizes — 14mm for rose gold, 20mm for black, and both sizes for the silver variant. Core Devices plans to introduce additional band accessories for each size, including leather options.

While it provides basic health and activity tracking (like steps and sleep), Core Devices clarifies that it’s not intended as a fitness or sports watch. The Pebble Round 2 comes equipped with an accelerometer and magnetometer, making it a solid choice for those seeking a simple smartwatch with a touch of nostalgia for the original Pebble brand, though it won’t be taking the place of your Garmin anytime soon.