Pebble Launches Pebble Core, Raises $7 Million in 24 Hours on Kickstarter

Pebble is a smartwatch manufacturing company and one of the pioneers in driving the commercialization of the modern smartwatch market. According to MobiHealth News, the company recently launched Pebble Core, a new product designed specifically for runners. Unlike other Pebble devices, the Pebble Core is not worn on the wrist; rather, it is a “screenless Android mini-phone.” Runners can clip it onto their clothing or carry it in their pockets.

Pebble Core is compact in size, comparable to a pin or a keychain. It runs on Android 5.0 and features a comprehensive suite of built-in sensors, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, GPS, and a heart rate sensor. Additionally, it includes 4GB of storage space for saving offline music downloaded from Spotify.

Eric Migicovsky, CEO and co-founder of Pebble, stated, “We developed this device in response to user feedback indicating that they did not want fitness-related devices that required a smartphone to function. I personally enjoy wearing my Pebble while running, but previously I had to carry my phone because I liked listening to Spotify during workouts and relied heavily on GPS tracking. We initially considered integrating these features into a smartwatch, but ultimately decided to create a fitness accessory that can be clipped onto a belt or placed in a pocket.”

Because the Pebble Core has a rich array of built-in sensors, it can support numerous features, such as voice memos, sending emergency SOS text messages, and tracking exercise routes. Additionally, the top of the Pebble Core is equipped with two buttons that users can customize for frequently used functions, such as one-tap Uber hailing, sending distress signals, or unlocking smart locks and controlling smart bulbs.

Pebble Core can work in tandem with Pebble watches to share data. Users can install various apps on the Pebble Core, such as Under Armour Record, Runkeeper, Strava, and MapMyRun. As a “programmable” smart device, it allows you to install applications in multiple ways.

Pebble Core is currently available for purchase on Kickstarter at $69, though the company expects a retail price of $99. The downside is that the device does not yet support SIM cards, so users must still pay a monthly mobile service fee.

On the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, there are many other smartwatch products besides Pebble Core. After the release of Pebble Core, its fundraising amount reached $7 million within a single day.

Prior to the launch of its new product, Pebble Core, Pebble laid off 40 employees, accounting for 25% of its total workforce. The company cited reduced venture capital investment and tight cash flow as the reasons. At that time, Pebble announced it would refocus on the health sector, dedicating itself to providing health-related services and developing wearable devices.