Pebble Time is running its second Kickstarter campaign with a new smartwatch that boasts of a full color e-ink display. With more than 66,000 backers and an earned funding of more than $17 million, the campaign is touted as the biggest fundraising project among other Kickstarter campaigns.
Apart from the e-ink display, the new Pebble Time smartwatch features a new timeline interface which allows the wearer to easily connect to alarms, calendars and apps. It's like an organizing tool which keeps all relevant information organized and easily accessible through the watch's "quick action" buttons. With few presses, the wearer can instantly recall past events, check on a missed email, be informed of his step count for the day, or know the score from a game played on the night before.
"You already plan your day around time, so it makes sense for your Pebble to be organized around the same principle," said the campaign on Kickstarter. "Now your notifications, news, reminders and events are laid out chronologically instead of being trapped inside separate apps."
The watch's timeline is also designed to have a system that intuitively loads and caches apps when needed. This allows the wearer to access as many apps as needed.
The watch can also be used even under direct sunlight since it has a highly readable interface. The e-ink feature consumes less power compared with other screen types which greatly helps to achieve a seven-day battery life for the watch. It's compatible to use with Apple and Android devices and is packed with over 6,000 Pebble apps.
Other features of the Pebble Time smartwatch include a new microphone that allows voice replies to incoming notifications, the latest technology that enhances the watch's water resistance capability, lens that are crafted from scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, stainless steel bezel, and an ergonomic, curved design. Measuring at only 9.5mm, Pebble Time is also thinner than the original Pebble by up to 20 percent.
"We had hoped you'd like what we've been working on...but you never know for sure until you launch!" wrote the company on its campaign update. "The good news is that you've made it crystal clear. And we thank you immensely for this."
The team behind the Pebble Technology has also announced that they are adding the new Pebble Time Steel, its version of a more business-wear looking watch that comes with a stainless steel case and "smartstraps." The latter contains sensors and electronics that allow them to interact with the watch.
The Pebble Time smartwatch will be retailed at $199 while the Time Steel model will be priced at $299. The estimated delivery schedule is set in July 2015.
