Smartwatches

Pebble continues its pre-Apple Watch marketing blitz, adds a Steel option to Pebble Time

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Backers of Pebble Time can now upgrade their pledges to a minimum of $250 to get Pebble Time Steel
Three colors of Pebble Time Steel
Backers of Pebble Time can now upgrade their pledges to a minimum of $250 to get Pebble Time Steel

We have a feeling some of those backers that combined to pledge over US$12 million to Pebble Time are going to be adjusting their pledges today. A week after launching Pebble Time on Kickstarter, the company has added a Steel option for an extra $91.

The differences between Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel are mostly cosmetic, but not entirely. In addition to replacing its plastic body with a CNC-finished 316L stainless steel one, the Steel variant also adds an estimated three days of battery life (up to 10 days, from the plastic Pebble Time's up to 7 days).

Otherwise Pebble Time Steel has the same general build and past/future oriented OS (it will also work with existing Pebble apps). Like 2014's Pebble Steel, the new Pebble Time Steel also includes both steel and leather bands.

Three colors of Pebble Time Steel

Pebble Time has already broken Kickstarter records, and this should only add to it. Of course a well-established brand returning to Kickstarter is hardly on even ground with the fresh new projects that most associate with the crowdfunding site. But it is a smart marketing strategy, with the Apple Watch (and countless Android Wear and Samsung Gear watches) putting the heat on one of the first popular smartwatches.

Pebble Time Steel will eventually retail for $300, but Kickstarter backers can reserve one for $250. Backers of the plastic Pebble Time can also adjust their pledges to get a Steel, though its estimated ship date is a little later (July vs. the plastic version's May).

Source: Kickstarter, Pebble

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2 comments
Cam Macduff
Have to say I'm liking the new gold design. Borrows some of the Apple Watch aesthetic just a tad, yes? I didn't punt for the original, but I'm tempted by this with 10 days battery life. Also, no mention of their "Smart Straps"? That looks quite innovative and a good way to avoid battery drain yet still add functions to the watch.
Robyn Kiriko Takami
I'm in love with the Red and Gold watch, so I changed my Kickstarter pledge from the Pebble Time to the Pebble Time Steel. :D